Eleven years ago, the Scott Family Amazeum opened its doors in Bentonville with a simple but powerful belief: children learn best when they are curious, engaged, and free to explore. Over the past decade-plus, that belief has grown into something bigger than anyone imagined: to date, nearly 2.1 million guests served, 260,000 students for field trips, and countless “ah-ha moments” that have shaped a generation of young learners across Northwest Arkansas.

To mark the occasion, the Amazeum is throwing a Birthday Block Party on July 15, and everyone is invited! This will be an all-day celebration of block-themed STEAM play for all ages, sweet treats, and lots of tinkering! Members get early access during a special Member Hour from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by regular admission from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and a Priceless Night pay-as-you-wish window from 4:30–7:30 p.m. Guests can expect hands-on experiences that reimagine what “blocks” can be, blending art, engineering, movement, and imagination into a day of joyful, open-ended discovery.

The birthday comes at an exciting moment for the Amazeum.

Construction is underway on a major expansion, designed by Northwest Arkansas-based architecture firm modus studio, that will add three new areas: the Early Learning Advancement Center, The Hangout + The Porch, and The Backyard. This means more indoor and outdoor space to play and learn. Designed with children ages 0–6, families, and educators in mind, the new spaces are expected to open in late 2026 and will deepen the Amazeum's commitment to early childhood learning and community connection.

The Amazeum is also taking its approach beyond its own walls. On June 24, the museum opened Wonder Wing, a new interactive family space inside Northwest Arkansas National Airport, transforming layovers and travel time into exploration, movement, and play. The partnership with XNA reflects a broader goal of meeting families where they are.

That extends to educators too. Through professional development programs, national conference presentations, and partnerships like the yearlong Making Spaces initiative, the Amazeum has become a respected resource for K-12 teachers and early childhood professionals across the region and beyond.

Eleven years in, the Amazeum's greatest achievement may be making learning feel like anything but. Here's to eleven more.

The Scott Family Amazeum is at 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Find tickets and membership information at amazeum.org