2026-08-27T07:27:10-07:00 2025-12-31 952076568 Leaf & Cole LLP 2810 Camino Del Rio South Suite 200 San Diego CA 92108 990 2025-01-01 953619583 THE NEW CHILDRENS MUSEUM NEWC 6192338792 200 WEST ISLAND AVENUE SAN DIEGO CA 92101 ELIZABETH YANG-HELLEWELL CEO 2026-08-26 true LATONYA M KNOX P00513874 6192947200 2025 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z ELIZABETH YANG-HELLEWELL 200 WEST ISLAND AVENUE SAN DIEGO CA 92101 5004774 false X WWW.THINKPLAYCREATE.ORG X 1981 CA The New Childrens Museum (The Museum) is an arts-based childrens museum whose mission is to spark creativity, exploration and a sense of belonging through interactive art experiences. 16 16 80 18 0 3155342 2147055 2621377 2748774 82771 71953 196376 -51725 6055866 4916057 0 0 3646447 3671816 0 876222 2286954 2364711 5933401 6036527 122465 -1120470 20127027 19423421 642389 962107 19484638 18461314 The New Childrens Museum (the Museum) in San Diego is an arts-based childrens museum whose mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity, and critical thinking in children and families through inventive, engaging experiences with contemporary art.The Museums vision is to address a critical need in our society and become a leader in engaging children through contemporary art in order to help develop the skills needed for the 21st century. Its virtual and onsite activities build on research about brain development, play, and engagement with art. false false 4182845 2748774 The Museum opened in a La Jolla shopping center in 1983 and moved to its current downtown location in 1993. Renaming itself the San Diego Childrens Museum/Museo de los Nios, it was among the first childrens museums to emphasize bilingual engagement and cross-border artist commissions. In 2003, the Museum closed its doors to function without walls while constructing a new home. For five years, community outreach, including to San Diegos underserved communities and schools, was its entire focus.In 2008, the Museum opened in its current, environmentally sustainable, three-story, 50,000 square-foot facility (designed by architect Rob Quigley). The Museum renamed itself The New Childrens Museum, with the word new signifying that it was a new model of childrens museum, focused on commissioning immersive contemporary art. The Museum is a community resource serving all of San Diego, and a backyard for urban families living downtown. The Museum provides a safe and engaging place to play and impacts the San Diego economy by providing work for artists, classes and camps, and a destination for local families as well as regional, national, and international tourists.The Museum was one of only five museums awarded the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service in recognition of its outstanding service to the community. Widespread access continues to be the cornerstone of the Museums philosophy; with over 26% of its annual visitors coming for free or at discounted rates each year through an array of community access initiatives and partnerships.In May 2021, the Museum reopened to the public after a 14-month pandemic closure. After two months of being open, the Museum welcomed its 2,000,000th visitor in July 2021.The Museum is an arts-based childrens museum that serves as a community resource for early childhood creativity through contemporary art and open play. It invites families to think, play, and create in multiple ways: Children touch, jump, climb, and crawl as they physically explore large-scale, interactive installations created by commissioned contemporary artists. Each is notable for its aesthetics, conceptual ideas, creativity, playability, and layered interactions. Recently commissioned installations (late 2020 2024) include: Future Ancestral Technologies: Odyssey by Cannupa Hanska Luger; Disco Rainbow Cave by Tanya Aguiniga; The Breathing Room by Michelle Montjoy; El Ms All by Panca Villaseor; Wondersound, Cavern Light by Wes Bruce and Teatro Piata by David Reynoso. The Museum offers art-making and educational themes in its studio spaces through drop-in activities and scheduled workshops that are free with admission. Studio spaces currently include Disco Rainbow Cave by Tanya Aguiiga, where young visitors explore manipulatives that stimulate the senses; The Rosso Family Foundation Innovators LAB, the Museums makerspace where children explore art projects; Clay Studio, where visitors sculpt and take-home clay creations; Paint Studio, that lets children paint a full-sized object (currently the Loving Dragon); and Toddler Time workshops that include finger painting, movement, music, and story time.In 2025, the Museum expanded its commitment to creative access and engagement for children and families through a range of in-person programs and community partnerships. The Museum operated a robust school visit and school partnership program, serving over 3,700 students through hands-on, art-based learning experiences.The Museum also continued to provide Arts/Learning Kits to community partners and schools, offering flexible opportunities for creative engagement both on-site and in community settings. These kits include basic art supplies and guided activities designed to support learning and creativity in diverse environments.Throughout the year, the Museum presented programs aligned with its thematic arc Science Fiction Creates the Future, including four author visits as part of its Seeding Futures series, as well as cross-generational Seed to Tree workshops that connected storytelling, contemporary art, and hands-on making. The Museum also hosted Mass Creativity Day, a large-scale free community festival that welcomed 1,325 attendees and brought together artists, community partners, and families in a shared creative experience.In 2025, the Museum further expanded its on-site offerings with the opening of the Artopia Studios, including a new ceramics studio that enabled the introduction of robust ceramics programming for the first time. The Museum also increased its focus on early childhood engagement, hosting over 50 toddlers and early learning workshops across the year.Community engagement is central to the Museums mission, and it continually assesses the needs of underserved audiences. The commitment to equitable access has long been a priority of the Board. Since opening its current facility in 2008, the Museum has built partnerships with hundreds of schools, social service agencies, and community organizations. Guided by research demonstrating that students from low socioeconomic backgrounds experience significant academic and professional gains through arts exposure, the Museum has developed a robust community access program serving children and families. School Visits/Title I The Museum offers both in-person and virtual tours for schools and other groups from pre-kindergarten through high school. Students, teachers, and chaperones from dozens of schools throughout San Diego come for free or at discounted rates; approximately 60% of all school visits are from Title I schools and Head Start programs. Most school and group visits include participatory, hands-on experiences that encourage inquiry-based learning inspired by the Museums art installations; interdisciplinary applications in the classroom of the following subjects: visual arts, reading, writing, social studies and science and grade level, age-appropriate and standards-aligned activities. Museums for All Museums for All is a collaborative initiative between the Association of Childrens Museums and the Institute of Museum and Library Services that promotes regular museum attendance among families of all backgrounds. Through the program, EBT (including WIC) cardholders can purchase admission for up to four people at $5 per person. pARTners in Creativity Children and chaperones come from twelve social service agencies working with abuse/neglect, homelessness, low literacy, mental and physical disabilities, substance abuse, and migrant issues. Groups enjoy free visits in a safe environment with activities geared to their needs. The Museum also assembles and creates kits with programming and supplies to bring to the organizations if their families prefer an at-home experience. Accessibility Mornings Children with stimulus sensitivities and their family/caretakers can enjoy the Museums installations and programming on designated mornings once a quarter, prior to the Museum opening to the public. Rx for Art + Play is the Museums partnership with Childrens Primary Care Medical Group (CPCMG), bringing low-to-moderate income families to the Museum through a free membership prescribed by participating pediatricians. The program includes a year-long Museum membership, free parking, a picture book, and an accompanying kit of art activities and supplies designed to support creative play at home.In 2025, 265 families participated as members with many more using the art kits for at home art education and engagement, reflecting continued growth. The program supports early childhood development and family well-being by connecting healthcare providers with creative, hands-on learning experiences at the Museum and at home. Other Kids Free October, Museum month in February, cross-membership promotions, and other initiatives provide additional opportunities to visit the Museum for free or deeply discounted each year. Mass Creativity Day and Workshops Since 2013, the Mass Creativity program has impacted more than 20 diverse community groups, including Barrio Logan College Institute, Barrio Logan; Casa Familiar; San Ysidro; City Heights/Weingart Library, City Heights; Paradise Hills/Skyline Hills Library, Paradise Hills; The San Diego LGBT Community Center, Hillcrest; Solutions for Change, Vista; and South Bay Community Services, Chula Vista. The workshop series culminates each June on Mass Creativity Day, when participants and the public come to the Museum and its park for a free festival of artmaking, music, and fun. Mass Creativity workshops were held virtually in 2020 and 2021 and resumed in person in 2022.Feedback from evaluations, observations, and community partners consistently affirms the Museums theory of change: that small successes experienced through open play and art activities help build essential skills, including confidence, optimism, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and resilience. These competencies reflect the Museums intended impact and ali 4182845 true true false false false false false true false true true false false false true true true false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 53 0 false 80 true false false false false false true true false 0 false false false false false false false X 16 16 false false false false true false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false CA X X X SANDRA LANDICHO 6192338792 200 WEST ISLAND AVENUE SAN DIEGO CA 92101 ELIZABETH YANG-HELLEWELL CEO 40.00 0.00 X 206243 0 13647 REBEKAH HOOK-HELD CSAO 40.00 0.00 X 168619 0 6268 GABRIELLE WYRICK CHIEF CURATOR 40.00 0.00 X 152416 0 13146 ANNEKA VAN DONGEN CFO 40.00 0.00 X 76163 0 5389 LINDSEY BARTELL Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 TREVOR MOORE Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 MARGARET JACKSON Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 BRENT DOUGLAS Secretary 4.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 MARYANNE PFISTER Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 NHELA VEHAR Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 SHAWNEE BARTON Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 LAWRENCE TAYLOR BOARD CHAIR 4.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 LYNDA FORSHA Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 CLAUDIA AMEZCUA Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 BILL PAYNE Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 REBECCA GENNARO FINANCE COMM CH 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 MARISOL RENDON Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 DENISE MONTGOMERY Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 ELIZABETH PHELPS Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 ROY MCMAKIN Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 TOM ROSSO Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 603441 38450 3 false true false 0 511460 201544 359855 1074196 16575 2147055 ADMISSIONS 900099 2204756 2204756 BIRTHDAY ROOM RENTAL 900099 73193 73193 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 900099 167481 167481 PARKING 900099 247773 247773 TRAVELLING EXHIBITION 900099 33021 33021 22550 22550 2748774 71953 71953 0 0 18300 18300 18300 18300 0 15831 201544 85655 -69824 -69824 0 3062 -3062 -3062 OTHER INCOME 900099 2861 2861 2861 4916057 2751635 17367 0 0 0 0 641891 447313 89899 104679 0 2434124 1696261 340907 396956 0 339895 271526 23017 45352 255906 185012 31509 39385 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47846 36137 183 11526 0 88552 848 49876 37828 0 431682 345346 43168 43168 25709 24033 111 1565 0 9368 7453 579 1336 0 0 682742 614467 34137 34138 0 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 437706 137762 233651 66293 MISCELLANEOUS 329479 201686 65638 62155 SUPPLIES 113883 110882 2805 196 ARTIST PERFORMANCE FEE 100659 92759 7900 97085 11360 61980 23745 6036527 4182845 977460 876222 197506 203381 1467978 579281 164759 199526 200398 144617 0 0 0 3062 0 23479 31079 26104308 9021575 16222492 17082733 466423 1175304 0 0 0 1380930 7500 20127027 19423421 445727 416893 18532 41939 149359 399265 26271 101510 2500 2500 642389 962107 X 18856157 18022976 628481 438338 19484638 18461314 20127027 19423421 -1120470 111276 -14130 X false true X true false X 3127140 4609623 3589910 3155342 2147055 16629070 0 0 3127140 4609623 3589910 3155342 2147055 16629070 3576544 13052526 105497 123746 70843 119222 90253 509561 89939 151602 241541 3171 28843 13595 32782 2861 81252 17461424 10877178 0.74750 0.77780 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED X X false 1832183 4994 163591 350000 1650768 1859689 745182 136281 908969 1832183 2589712 350000 219977 1300000 1859689 3388513 150000 -448801 500000 2589712 1984321 1100000 304192 3388513 1.00000 false false false 2232286 2232286 20882018 7141780 13740238 1320000 441600 878400 119400 107436 11964 1550604 1330759 219845 17082733 SECURITY DEPOSITS 2500 2500 X 5023413 111276 7148 3062 121486 4901927 14130 14130 4916057 6046737 7148 3062 10210 6036527 6036527 Part III, Line 1a: If organization elected under SFAS 116 to not report are, historical treasures, o In conformity with the practice followed by many museums, art objects purchased by or donated to the Museum are not capitalized in the statement of financial position. The Museums collection is made up of works of art that are held for exhibition and various other program activities. Each of the items is cataloged, preserved and cared for, and activities verifying their existence and assessing their condition are performed continuously. Purchased collection items are recorded as decreases in net assets without restriction in the year in which the items are acquired, or in net assets with restrictions if the net assets used to purchase the items are restricted by the donor. Contributed collection items are excluded from the financial statements. The collection is subject to a policy that requires proceeds from their sales to be used to acquire other items for collections, or to support the direct care of collections. Direct care of collections is defined by the Museum as costs that prolong the life and usefulness of the collection, costs providing benefits that enhance the quality and protection of the collection, and costs that make a physical impact on collections objects, increasing or restoring their cultural or scientific value. Routine and ongoing expenditures are not considered direct care of collections. There were no collection items donated for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.Proceeds from deaccessions or insurance recoveries are reflected as increases in the appropriate net asset classes. The Museum did not purchase collection items during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Part III, Line 4: Description of organization's collections and how it furthers its purpose. In conformity with the practice followed by many museums, art objects purchased by or donated to the Museum are not capitalized in the statement of financial position. The Museums collection is made up of works of art that are held for exhibition and various other program activities. Each of the items is cataloged, preserved and cared for, and activities verifying their existence and assessing their condition are performed continuously. Purchased collection items are recorded as decreases in net assets without restriction in the year in which the items are acquired, or in net assets with restrictions if the net assets used to purchase the items are restricted by the donor. Contributed collection items are excluded from the financial statements. The collection is subject to a policy that requires proceeds from their sales to be used to acquire other items for collections, or to support the direct care of collections. Direct care of collections is defined by the Museum as costs that prolong the life and usefulness of the collection, costs providing benefits that enhance the quality and protection of the collection, and costs that make a physical impact on collections objects, increasing or restoring their cultural or scientific value. Routine and ongoing expenditures are not considered direct care of collections. There were no collection items donated for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Part V, Line 4: Intended uses of the endowment fund. FUNDS USED TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS AND MISSION. Part X : FIN48 Footnote The Museum believes that it has appropriate support for any tax positions taken, and as such, does not have any uncertain tax positions that are material to the financial statements. Part XI, Line 2d: Other revenue amounts included in F/S but not included on form 990 COST OF GOODS SOLD $3062 Part XII, Line 2d: Other expenses and losses per audited F/S COST OF GOODS SOLD $3062 X false ANNUAL GALA 217375 201544 15831 750 33469 7275 44161 217375 201544 15831 750 33469 7275 44161 85655 -69824 X X X X false false false false false false false false false ELIZABETH YANG-HELLEWELL CEO 206243 6589 7058 219890 GABRIELLE WYRICK CHIEF CURATOR 152416 4660 8486 165562 REBEKAH HOOK-HELD CSAO 168619 5310 958 174887 Form 990, Part VI, Section A, Line 6 THE MUSEUM HAS MEMBERS Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 11b THE FORM 990 IS REVIEWED BY THE EXECUTIVE, FINANCE, AND AUDIT COMMITTEES ALONG WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION AND DISTRIBUTED TO THE BOARD PRIOR TO FILING. IN DEPTH REVIEW OF CONTENT AND RESPONSE, AS IN RELATION TO THE TRIAL BALANCE AND FYE FINANCIALS. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 12c EACH BOARD MEMBER COMPLETES THE REQUESTED WRITTEN CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORM, WHICH IS RETAINED FOR OUR RECORDS, ANNUALLY. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 15a DURING THE HIRING PROCESS, ALL POTENTIAL COMPENSATION VALUES ARE REVIEWED BY HR AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE TO THE CEO BASED ON THE COMPARABLE LOCATION (I.E., SAN DIEGO) AND INDUSTRY VARIABLES. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 15b THE CEO/ED COMPENSATION WAS DETERMINED AFTER A THOROUGH COMPARATIVE DATA REVIEW OF SIMILAR POSITIONS IN ART MUSEUMS, DELIBERATION BY THE BOARD COMPENSATION AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES AND FINAL APPROVAL FROM THE BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Form 990, Part VI, Section C, Line 19 THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ARE MADE AVAILABLE, BY REQUEST. NCMs annual report is available online AND THE INFORMATION TAX RETURNS are available by request.