City Museum
- Admission
- $20 per person plus tax; children under 2 are free. Rooftop access is an additional $8.
- Hours
- Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (hours vary seasonally)
- Duration
- 4-5 hours
- Parking
- An official paid parking lot is located on 16th Street, with additional metered street parking and nearby paid lots available.
- Access
- While many climbing structures are tight and inaccessible, the building features elevators to all floors, and ADA-compliant ramps provide access to major exhibits.
Housed in a former shoe warehouse, this surreal playground is an architectural marvel made from repurposed industrial and urban objects. It features a ten-story slide, an outdoor climbing cage, and a school bus hanging off the roof. It is an unforgettable artistic wonderland built for visitors of all ages to explore.
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Housed in the 600,000-square-foot former International Shoe Company warehouse, the City Museum is a massive, surreal playground constructed largely from repurposed industrial and architectural objects. Founded by artist Bob Cassilly and opened in 1997, the museum represents a monumental feat of urban recycling and artistic vision.
Visitors can explore a sprawling labyrinth of salvaged materials, including old airplanes, school buses, chimneys, and miles of climbing tunnels. Highlights include a ten-story spiral slide, an indoor cave system hand-carved by artists, and an outdoor climbing structure suspended high above the ground.
The museum eschews traditional signage and maps, deliberately encouraging guests to get lost and discover its secrets organically. It is a constantly evolving work of art that appeals equally to children and adults who possess a sense of adventure.
Ratings
museumVisitor Tips
- ◆ Wear comfortable clothes you do not mind getting dirty, and opt for closed-toe athletic shoes rather than sandals.
- ◆ Consider bringing or buying knee pads, as crawling through the metal and concrete tunnels can be tough on your joints.
- ◆ Check the museum's seasonal schedule beforehand if you want to access the rooftop area, which features a Ferris wheel and slides.
- ◆ Establish a designated meeting spot for your group, as the chaotic layout makes it incredibly easy to get separated.
Heads Up
- ◆ Many tunnels and slides are extremely tight, dark, and may trigger claustrophobia in some visitors.
- ◆ The museum features high-climbing structures and hard surfaces; minor scrapes, bumps, and bruises are very common.
- ◆ Active supervision is required for children, as there are countless paths, hidden passages, and exits where groups can easily lose sight of one another.
Common questions
Do you need to bring knee pads to the City Museum?
While not required, knee pads are highly recommended for crawling through the various metal and concrete tunnels. You can bring your own or purchase them at the museum's gift shop.
Is the rooftop at City Museum included in general admission?
No, access to the rooftop requires an additional ticket purchase and is open seasonally, weather permitting.
What should you wear when visiting the City Museum?
You should wear closed-toe athletic shoes and comfortable clothes like long pants that you do not mind getting dirty or potentially snagged. High heels, flip-flops, and skirts are not recommended due to the active climbing and sliding environments.