kubik maltbie, a leading producer of exceptional exhibits and experiences for museums, science centres, and immersive spaces, is celebrating the reopening of London Children’s Museum (LCM) in Ontario, Canada, a museum created for and imagined by children.
Having served the London community since 1975, LCM aimed to modernise, expand, and reach more families with its programming. A historic Kellogg’s cereal factory building gave the Museum a large new space and towering 20-foot ceilings to create an immersive environment for children to explore.
The design team of Reich+Petch and Skolnick Architecture collaborated with LCM and its stakeholders to develop learning pathways across seven distinct gallery spaces connected through play and discovery.
Created for and imagined by children
Entering the museum, visitors find themselves in a towering forest of climbable trees and numerous hidden treasures connected by a network of rope bridges. From the Branching Out Gallery, visitors can explore the City of London through scaled buildings such as the Firehall, Food Market, and Health Clinic.
Next, visitors encounter a tactile farm symbolising the agricultural heart of London’s community. The Factory Gallery transforms agricultural products into food via a series of engaging interactive activities. The Stream area evokes the Thames River, featuring a large water table where children can divert, dam, and explore water flow.
Children can explore a cave system, uncover dinosaur bones, and even venture into space. Children’s agency and imagination are central to each gallery, offering opportunities for role-play, discovery, and spontaneous fun.
kubik maltbie was involved early in the concept design process to help create detailed budgets for the exhibit program. This careful approach led to an informed client who could then develop an effective fundraising plan.
See also: Built to inspire: kubik maltbie’s turnkey fabrication services
Working alongside Michael + Clark Construction, the general contractor, kubik maltbie converted the raw industrial space into a top-tier children’s museum. Innovative materials and highly realistic scenic treatments create an immersive environment designed specifically for children. Every detail in the space prioritises safety and durability.
Apart from pre-construction services, kubik maltbie was also handled exhibit fabrication, graphic production, and installation for the 17,000-square-foot space.
“kubik maltbie is immensely proud that the London Children’s Museum entrusted us with their vision for the new LCM where children can choose their own adventure and find joy in countless unexpected places,” says the firm.
kubik maltbie also recently worked on the new National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, which opened in March 2025.
