Leaders of the Amazeum, a $21.5 million interactive children’s museum under construction in Bentonville, announced Tuesday that the museum will open July 15 and that it has changed its name to the Scott Family Amazeum.
First conceived in 2006, the 50,000-SF museum is being built on 5 acres donated by Rob and Melani Walton at the tip of the entrance road to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The project is being renamed in honor of the Lee Scott family. Molly Rawn, the Amazeum’s director of development and communications, said the family has supported the museum financially and through their time and talents.
Lee, a former Wal-Mart Stores Inc. CEO, and his wife Linda were early advocates for the project. Their son, Eric, serves on the Amazeum’s board of directors. Eric’s wife Elda also volunteers for the museum.
“Our board finds it most fitting to honor their gifts in this way,” Rawn said in a news release. “Theirs is a key donation that keeps the momentum moving toward our $28.5 million comprehensive campaign goal.”
“We are honored to have an institution we care so deeply about be named for our family,” Lee Scott said. “We are so happy that we have been given the opportunity to give back to the Northwest Arkansas community, and we hope that our support of the Amazeum will inspire others to give.”
The Walton Family Foundation kicked off funding for the project with a $10 million donation.
“For some time, Walmart has been a signature sponsor,” Executive Director Sam Dean said. “They have stayed with us as the project has evolved, never wavering in their dedication to making our community outstanding. And that support will be recognized with an exhibit in the Amazeum. The natural fit is The Market, sponsored by Walmart.”
Dean described The Market as an interactive space where guests will be able “shop” for produce and groceries, work behind the butcher counter or in the bakery and serve other guests in the café or play the role of cashier.
The museum plans to release more about exhibitions, hours and admission fees before its grand opening.
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