Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh wants to expand

RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Marbles museum wants to expand its territory in downtown Raleigh.

In order to get the ball rolling, the project has to be approved by the city, county, and state. That's because all three entities own various parts of the museum's campus.

On Monday, Marbles staff met with Wake County leaders to request the expansion; county leaders left the meeting in support of the project.

Allie Vance loves taking her 15-month-old son to Marbles each week. She said she's on board with the expansion.

"When we walked in the front door, my son just immediately ran in and went crazy."

Marbles is North Carolina's sixth largest attraction and its popularity is taking its toll. Vice President of play at Marbles, Pam Hartley, said the museum is running out of space.

"We really are one of the busiest children's museums"

The $20 million proposed expansion includes using land at Morgan Street and Blount Street to create a space for playing.

Marbles wants to build a three-level facility where the courtyard sits.

The new facility would become the museum's main entrance, which would face Moore Square Park and provide an extra exhibit and play space on the upper levels.

The museum also purchased a vacant building next door to create more space.

Faith Martin is a mom of three who hopes the expansion includes more exhibits for older kids.

"Maybe 8, 9, 10 years old," Martin said. "They are trying to mingle with younger children, so having a dedicated area for older children would be better."

Marbles said that's also one of the priorities with the expansion.