Strategic Plan | FY 2027-2029

Letter from the President and CEO, Allison Comer

Dear Friends & Supporters

It is such an incredible honor to lead Muse Knoxville during such a transformational moment in our organization’s history. What began as a beloved community children’s museum has grown into a trusted regional leader in play-based STEAM learning, serving children, families, schools, and communities across East Tennessee and beyond.

As we look toward the future, I am deeply grateful for every family, educator, donor, partner, volunteer, staff member, and community leader who has helped shape this journey and believes in the power of Muse.

This strategic plan reflects the voices and hopes of the many stakeholders who helped inform it. Again and again, we heard themes of access, belonging, workforce development, community connection, and the importance of creating spaces where people of all ages can learn, explore, and imagine together. As we prepare to expand into a new building, we recognize the tremendous responsibility and opportunity before us. We are not simply building a larger museum – we are building something our entire community can be proud of for generations to come.

The FY27-29 Strategic Plan serves as our roadmap for this next chapter. Rooted in curiosity, inclusion, innovation, and partnership, it reflects our commitment to growing thoughtfully while remaining grounded in the mission and community relationships that have always defined Muse.

With gratitude and enough curiosity to fill a planetarium,

Allison Comer
President & CEO, Muse Knoxville

Strategic Plan | FY 2027-2029

Check it out! 

Strategic Priorities

Throughout the strategic planning process, Muse Knoxville engaged families, staff, educators, partners, and community stakeholders to better understand the museum’s future role in East Tennessee. Several consistent themes emerged and directly shaped the priorities within this plan

Build a Regional Intergenerational STEAM Destination

Deepen Community & Civic Impact

Deliver innovative, Transformative STEAM Learning Experiences

STRENGTHEN ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY & SUSTAINABILITY

Expansion Roadmap

A transformational public–private partnership among Muse Knoxville, philanthropic investors, the City of Knoxville, and community partners to renovate and activate a new Muse as an expanded regional science and play destination. The $50 million campaign will support facility renovation, exhibit development, accessibility improvements, educational infrastructure, and long-term community impact.

Thank you to our

Corporate Sponsors

Thank you for joining us in our mission to empower future generations through playful science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) experiences that inspire lifelong curiosity!