Possible-opolis VI, Madison Children’s Museum, Wisconsin. Photo credit: Erin Moore Photography

A new American children’s museum plans to help kids learn about sustainability through play.

The Madison Children’s Museum in Wisconsin is constructed from locally-harvested and repurposed materials.

Opening in mid-August, the green museum will use natural fabrics and recycled materials in upcoming exhibits.

Originally built in 1929, the former store was transformed using ecological design.  The museum’s green features include:

• An early learning area made from materials sourced from within 100 miles of Madison;
• A gym floor reclaimed from a Wisconsin high school;
• LED lighting;
• Low- or zero-VOC paint;
• All-natural, non-toxic and locally harvested flooring and surfaces;
• A four-season, rooftop garden with solar panels and exhibits on renewable energy sources;
• Possible-opolis, an exhibit area made from 100 percent recycled or repurposed materials;
• A locally owned café that serves organic food and
• An original 1830s log cabin to be used as an outdoor classroom.

“With our emphasis on local people, products, and processes that involve the community, Madison Children’s Museum creates a unique sense of place that appeals to adults as well as children,” says Ruth Shelly, executive director.