Bellinghamsters who’ve missed Mindport Exhibits won’t have to wait long to enjoy its offerings again.
On Thursday, Jan. 30, the neighboring Spark Museum of Electrical Invention announced plans to introduce a rotating gallery space in late spring 2025. Its inaugural exhibition will honor Mindport’s founding director, Kevin Jones, as well as Mindport’s near-30-year legacy in downtown Bellingham.
The Spark Museum is a nonprofit science and history museum located at 1312 Bay St. Its permanent collection is devoted to significant technological milestones; however, a rotating gallery would allow the introduction of “additional stories, moments and themes that enrich the museum’s narrative” according to a Jan. 30 news release.
“We’re grateful that our Arts District neighbors at Mindport helped fund the construction of the new rotating gallery and that its executive director, Tallie Jones, gifted us with many wonderful interactive displays,” Spark Museum Director of Programs Abby Whatley said.
Mindport was founded by Kevin Jones, Robin Burnett and Joe Edwards in 1995 and closed its doors in November 2024. Its one-of-a-kind exhibitions were created by hand and featured a unique blend of science and art.
Following a stint in the Spark Museum’s rotating gallery, many former Mindport exhibitions will move upstairs into Wonderlab: a hands-on, 3,000-square-foot space currently under construction. Both Wonderlab and the rotating gallery are part of Spark Museum’s ongoing expansion efforts.
According to the museum’s website, Wonderlab will “facilitate friendly engagement, support school programs and educators, and create space for increased museum programs.” A capital campaign was launched in spring 2024 and has raised $242,659 of its $2 million goal as of press time.
The Spark Museum will remain open amid construction 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday at 1312 Bay St. Info: sparkmuseum.org.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.