The Children’s Museum of Central Oregon announced two major milestones in its journey toward opening Central Oregon’s first children’s museum. First, the organization has secured a nearly 8,000-square-foot building in Bend’s Central District and will begin its transformation into a year-round destination.
Second, with a new home comes a bold new name—Ruckus: A Children’s Science Museum. The new name reflects the museum’s belief that curiosity can be noisy, discovery can be messy and some of the best learning happens through play.
“Ruckus is the sound of kids building, exploring, experimenting and learning, and this building gives that energy a home right in the heart of our community,” said Erica Segal, Museum Director of Ruckus. The announcement builds on two years of growing momentum. In 2024, CMCO launched its Mobile Museum to begin putting its mission into action by sparking curiosity and creativity through playful STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art and math – learning. Since then, the Mobile Museum has reached more than 24,000 community members at pop-up events across Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
“Welcoming more than 24,000 community members before we’ve even opened our doors is an extraordinary milestone,” said John Winters, Chair of the Ruckus Board of Directors. “This level of engagement demonstrates the tremendous enthusiasm and demand for Ruckus across Central Oregon.”
Ruckus is working with AOA, an immersive experience design firm founded by former Walt Disney Imagineering leaders, along with regional partners, to design interactive exhibits rooted in the landscapes and industries of Central Oregon.
Learn more at ruckusmuseum.org
This article appears in Bend Nest Winter 2026.
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