The Inspire Center: A Space for Creativity and Innovation

The Inspire Center at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History opened earlier this year, and has been inspiring creativity and innovation in visitors of all ages. Using items from the Connecticut Museum collection as inspiration, visitors are prompted to identify the problem solved by these historic objects, brainstorm a new, imaginative solution, and build a prototype of their invention.

In the past several months, visitors have been prompted to design a new way to travel, invent a toy, improve the way we clean, and so much more. While some creations are more abstract, others come with specific instructions on how the visitor intends for their invention to be used, like this innovative new “Safe Bug Catcher”.

Other visitors design something completely different based on their own inspiration, including a new way to communicate using cups and string, an idea box, and even egg carton glasses! 

In addition to showcasing their inventions, visitors have been using the Inspire Center as a way to connect with others through inspirational messages and unique drawings to be enjoyed by anybody that enters the room.

Looking for even more inspiration? In addition to the historic objects on display, visitors can view inventions left behind by others, look at drawings by Connecticut artist Richard Welling, and listen to music on a record player. The record player, a family favorite, invites visitors to be inspired by music with a selection of records ranging from classical music to jazz, from Disney to blues.

What will YOU be inspired to create?

The Inspire Center is made possible thanks to generous funding from the Gawlicki Family Foundation.