Image by Photo Courtesy of the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry The Children's Museum continues to welcome visitors and members as a sustaining non-profit organization in the Lowcountry community.

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is proud to announce it is officially debt free. The more than $2.5M debt stemming from the Museum’s original construction loan used to help open its doors in 2003 has been retired.

Executive Director, Denis Chirles, says, “It is an amazing time to be a part of one of the Lowcountry’s unique family focused destinations!  We cannot thank our devoted Founders, Board, dedicated staff and the community for all of their hard work, support and generosity during these past 8 ½ years.  We are proud of how far we have come and are so excited about what the future holds for the children of our community.” 

The Museum was able to make its final loan payment in December of 2011 thanks in part to the success of its annual gala raising more than $105,000 in November.CML is located in the heart of downtown Charleston between Ann and John Streets in a refurbished train depot and houses nine (9) hands-on interactive exhibits for children ranging from 3 months up to 10 years old. Kids can race boats down rapids, climb aboard a Lowcountry pirate ship and drive an antique fire truck. Families can send golf balls down a roller coaster, find gems under our waterfall and create inspired masterpieces every day in our dedicated art center. At CML, play inspires creativity and encourages lifelong exploration of the world around us.

CML also works to address specific needs within the Lowcountry community by partnering with area organizations to develop targeted programs that, for example, combat childhood obesity and teach teenage mothers important parenting skills. CML also provides a safe environment for children with special needs through their free monthly program SuperStars.

The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to spark imagination, stimulate curiosity and encourage problem solving through the power of play in families from all backgrounds with young children. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per person and free for children less than 12 months of age. For more information please visit our website, www.explorecml.org.