The El Paso community, from kids to adults, can look forward to the arrival of La Nube Children’s Museum. With its grand opening scheduled for August 10, 2024, anticipation is building as El Pasoans await the chance to explore this unique educational space. Natalie Eckberg, Vice President of Development and Stakeholder Relations at La Nube, shared insights into La Nube’s mission, features, and community engagement efforts.
“At La Nube, our mission is to spark imagination and foster a deeper understanding of the connections between science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, inspiring individuals to explore the world with a fresh perspective,” Eckberg said.
What sets La Nube apart from conventional children’s museum is its value on community input. When it came to the strategic planning phase, the public’s vision and input was largely considered. This inclusive approach shaped La Nube into a location that integrates elements of a children’s museum, community, and arts all at once.
“We’re continuing to fold in the feedback of El Pasoans and finding ways to celebrate our unique region, and in particular, our binational and bicultural communities,” Eckberg said.
The museum’s name, La Nube, embodies boundless creativity and innovation. Derived from the concept of “blue sky thinking,” La Nube aims to transcend conventional boundaries for all age groups.
“The museum encourages us to think beyond what is typically thought of, challenge ourselves to go to the next level, and always push ourselves towards excellence,” Eckberg said.
One of La Nube’s standout features is the “Anything’s Possible Climber,” which is a towering structure of 50 feet designed to challenge members of the community both physically and mentally. This unique climbing experience starts on the second floor and goes up to the fourth floor, incorporating geometric shapes and inclusive elements such as a wheelchair obstacle course.
“We really wanted to find ways to be inclusive so that every member of our community could enjoy our space,” Eckberg said. “We looked for ways to fold in those inclusion efforts wherever we possibly could.”
The museum’s focus on breaking boundaries extends to its outdoor spaces, including the Preston Foster Garden, dedicated to honoring and celebrating the memory of a beloved El Pasoan. Sponsored by Rick and Ginger Francis, the garden serves as an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the beauty of nature.
“There will be outdoor seating for our cafe, places for families to congregate, and beautiful landscaping to reflect our natural geography,” Eckberg said.
La Nube’s intricate architecture and design was not an easy feat to achieve while navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and overcoming setbacks such as a fire incident. The unwavering support of the El Paso community and its willingness to embrace this project largely contributed to La Nube’s completion.
“Our construction company, vendors, and designers have been committed to ensuring that safety and quality are at the top of everybody’s concern,” Eckberg said.
La Nube is positioned to become a hub of learning and creativity, offering many volunteer opportunities for individuals of all ages. From assisting with educational programs to showcasing local artwork, the museum aims to engage the community and foster a welcoming culture.
“We know we’re going to have summer camps, intercession camps, and special Saturday programming or holiday programming,” Eckberg said. “We would love to have volunteers to help.”
As the countdown to La Nube’s opening continues and the last phases of construction are finalized, El Pasoans can eagerly look forward to delving into a unique and innovative experience. With its commitment to fostering inclusion and curiosity, La Nube promises to inspire current and future generations.
