(Batesville, IN) – Exciting changes are coming to downtown Batesville.
Kids Discovery Factory is embarking on a major construction and renovation project to bring a world-class children’s museum to Southeastern Indiana.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony is planned for October.
Construction partners include construction manager Bruns-Gutzwiller Group and architect Susan Glaser Designs.
Construction will commence this month, with an anticipated grand reopening in mid-2026, unveiling a 10,000-square-foot hands-on learning environment designed to inspire young minds through play, innovation, and discovery.
“This is a monumental moment for our organization and our community,” said Emili Uden, Executive Director. “The new Kids Discovery Factory will be a regional destination that brings families, schools, and visitors to downtown Batesville, sparking curiosity and creativity while driving foot traffic to area businesses.”
The expansion is made possible through significant support from the City of Batesville, Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant funding from the Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI) Regional Development Authority, Batesville Tool & Die’s building donation, and generous contributions from individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
Local banks FCN and the Napoleon State Bank have partnered to provide Kids Discovery Factory construction financing. The support underscores the museum’s vital role in providing high-quality, interactive learning experiences while positioning Batesville and the ARI region as a destination for education and innovation.
The total project is estimated to cost $5.4 Million and fundraising is still underway. Opportunities to sponsor building areas, exhibits, or to support future programming are available.
“We’re building more than a museum—we’re building a brighter future for our children,” said Daryl Werner, Board President. “This space will be a place where kids can explore, dream, and develop the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.”
When the new museum opens, families will step into a world of discovery—where engineering and manufacturing come to life, exhibits invite kids to explore water, air, light, and dramatic play, and invention, design, and art studios spark creativity while doubling as unique spaces for
special celebrations.
The museum will be open six days a week and offer family memberships, year-round educational programs, school visits, community events, and hands-on STEAM experiences for families that will impact tens of thousands of people across Southeastern Indiana every year.
Continued Impact During Construction
Kids Discovery Factory operated its 2,000 square foot pilot museum 2022-2025, welcoming guests from more than 30 counties in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. While this space will remain closed through construction, KDF remains committed to serving regional children and families during the renovation period.
Thanks to generous grant funding from Lilly Endowment, the Ripley County Community Foundation, and Honda, Kids Discovery Factory will host pop-up play events in Ripley, Franklin, Dearborn, and Decatur counties, ensuring children and families continue to have access to
engaging, play-based learning experiences. KDF will also continue to offer mobile school and community programs, summer camps, classes, and afterschool clubs.
For information about bringing the museum to your school or event, visit www.kidsdiscoveryfactory.org/visiting-you.
“We may be closing our physical doors temporarily, but our commitment to hands-on, innovative learning remains stronger than ever,” said Dawn Koch, Museum Educator. “Through our mobile programs and pop-up play events, we’re ensuring that kids across southeastern Indiana can continue to explore, create, and discover—no matter where they are.”
(Kids Discovery Factory press release)
