ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Animation’s oldest star is setting up shop in downtown Allentown.
The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse will open Saturday at Da Vinci Science Center, where kids can meet Mickey and some of his pals, including Donald, Daisy and Goofy — and, of course, Minnie Mouse.
The state-of-the-art museum offered a sneak peek Friday afternoon to the press — and one toddler (full disclosure: this reporter's son accompanied him on this assignment) who repeatedly raced between the exhibit’s many activities.
Characters will guide children and parents through each activity as the cartoon stars plan a surprise birthday party for Mickey’s dog, Pluto.
They’re looking for kids’ help to frost cupcakes and decorate a cake for Pluto; arrange his favorite flowers and water tomatoes; and “grill” hot dogs while celebrating with the Hot Dog Dance; among a host of other activities.
The exhibit is aimed at the Da Vinci Science Center’s youngest audience, like many of the programs at the nonprofit’s former location at Cedar Crest College, according to Allison Dolan, marketing and visitor services manager.
'A science center for all ages'
The 67,000-square-foot Da Vinci Science Center opened in downtown Allentown in May 2024 after the nonprofit spent almost two decades on Cedar Crest’s campus.
The nonprofit expanded its offerings at its new location to attract older kids and adults, but the Mickey Mouse exhibit shows “we’re a science center for all ages,” Dolan said.
The Da Vinci Science Center aims to “be a community science center” for Lehigh Valley residents, but its ability to attract visitors from New York, Philadelphia and other areas is “a real testament to the[programming] staff we have."Allison Dolan, Da Vinci Science Center marketing and visitor services manager
Regional leaders are banking on it — and several nearby developments, namely The Archer music hall and The Moxy boutique hotel — to fuel a new wave of downtown momentum.
Officials projected it will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from within 100 miles of Allentown each year.
The Da Vinci Science Center aims to “be a community science science” for Lehigh Valley residents, but its ability to attract visitors from New York, Philadelphia and other areas is “a real testament to the staff we have,” Dolan said Friday.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit is set to be at the Da Vinci Science Center through Jan. 19.
It was created by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis; its Allentown exhibit is its first stop on a 13-museum tour that’s booked through the summer of 2030.
Crews in Allentown are set to work into Friday night to prepare the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for its debut Saturday.
