The Nursery

The Nursery Environment is a permanent, interactive play environment designed for the new, expanded Children’s Museum Pittsburgh. SPRINGBOARD’s Nursery Environment is a 4,000 sf exhibit space located on the second floor of the museum’s ‘Lantern’ building.

SPRINGBOARD’s concept for the Nursery was developed from the idea of an ‘embrace.’ The environment is entered through the welcoming arms of glass, wood and metal screens that open toward the visitor. The floor is divided into two parts: an active play area for gross motor activities, and a quiet play area for more contemplative play. A curved, wheatboard wall defines these areas and supports stained glass windows that are part of the museum’s permanent art collection. The two play areas are linked by the ‘Art Bridge,’ a raised floor display case containing puppets and other artworks. Children can walk or crawl across and look at the artworks below their feet or bellies.

Other areas in the Nursery include a rice table, baby pen and a nursing area.

primary photography by Stan Ries