10 Things About Jennifer Luce & The New Children’s Museum

“I love all things that flow.” – James Joyce

The New Children’s Museum is a new model of children’s museum whose mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art. Along with Dr. Laurie Mitchell and Dr. Ellen Moxham, Jennifer Luce is co-chairing the New Children’s Museum “Circus Spectacular” Gala.

#1 I was raised in Montreal and La Malbaie, Quebec; both are wonderful places full of history and culture.

#2 My mother has become my dearest friend late in her life. She is wise, perceptive, can read a room and has been immensely resilient through much illness and hardship. Her grace is astounding. I only hope to be so fortunate as to possess her character.

#3 I was meant to be a ballet dancer but my curiosity for all Arts led me in another direction.

#4 It is on my bucket list to become a professional race car driver.

#5 I spent some time in Nepal with a Buddhist monk and mountaineering guide (quite the combination). Somehow, the mountainous terrain and soulful exploration of Bhutan feels right to ease the anxiety of a troubled world.

#6 My recent favorite travel destinations have been Scotland and Iceland. My blood is northern and the extreme landscapes feel oddly familiar!

#7 The New Children’s Museum holds and exudes a positive energy that is unparalleled. Upon its inauguration, I became involved with designing the administrative offices and entry experience. What was so enriching was the experience of meeting so many deeply kind people along that journey.

#8 We are a 50,000-square-foot contemporary art museum for children in downtown San Diego with three levels of interactive and large-scale art installations created by commissioned artists. We also host daily art-making workshops and toddler programming. In 2021, we opened a second smaller satellite location in Del Mar called the Art + Play Space.

#9 We serve thousands of children and families each day by providing a space for them to interact with contemporary art through open play and creative expression. Our access programs provide discounted or free admission to the Museum so that all children regardless of their life circumstances can experience art and play!

#10 Our annual gala helps fund the Museum’s access programs, which provide discounted or free access to the Museum for over 25% of our annual visitors. Access programs include free school field trips for Title 1 schools, Museums for All discounted admission for EBT card holders, discounted admission for military families, free access for partner social organizations, Accessibility Mornings and more. This year’s Circus Spectacular Gala is circus themed with dazzling performances, midway games, a Ferris wheel and more!

The New Children’s Museum
Circus Spectacular
November 5, 2022
6 – 11 pm
200 W Island Avenue, Downtown San Diego
www.thinkplaycreate.org/circus-spectacular