Everyone’s MAGNA-TILES dreams have come true – the MAGNA-TILES Studio is now open in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! We’ve proudly partnered with the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) to provide this first-of-its-kind immersive space to the public. This new rainbow-filled space invites young minds to engage in meaningful play with more than 10,000 MAGNA-TILES pieces and interactive creation stations.
How it all Began
Our National Account Manager, Erica Zavala, shared how it all started: “MODS has featured MAGNA-TILES in their Gift Shop for a few years now, and our relationship has grown stronger over the past two years. We began with a sponsorship in 2022 when MAGNA-TILES was featured within their Sprouting STEM room. After attending the MODS Science Festival in March 2023 and hosting MAGNA-TILES activities, the idea for the MAGNA-TILES Studio sparked, and we started laying out concepts shortly after that.”
After nurturing our relationship with the MODS team, Erica joined the MAGNA-TILES project team. Over the next six months of brainstorming and collaboration, our dream came to life. “Seeing the large tiles before they were installed on the ceiling was exciting,” Erica said. “It made us realize the studio was nearly complete!”
Opening Day
Our Senior Vice President of Marketing, Michael Scheffki, joined the MODS President and CEO Joseph P. Cox, MODS Board of Trustees Chair Johnathan Robertson for the official opening of the space. After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, they received a warm (and energetic) welcome from the local school children waiting to explore all that the MAGNA-TILES Studio had to offer.
“This one-of-a-kind space was designed specifically for our fans – our future architects, designers, astronauts and engineers,” said Scheffki. “It’s a place where they can be creative. It’s a place where they can dream. It’s a place where they can explore the joy of MAGNA-TILES play. We can’t wait to see their smiles and amazing creativity on display.”
Our team stayed to witness the magic of this space come to life.
So, what’s in the MAGNA-TILES Studio?
At MAGNA-TILES, it’s no secret that spreading Meaningful Play with as many children as possible is our passion. The MAGNA-TILES Sudio takes this to a whole new level. If you are fortunate enough to visit, here are the creative stations you’ll find when you walk through those distinct red and purple doors:
- Magnetic Marvels: MAGNA-TILES® pieces easily attract and repel, offering a practical demonstration of how magnetic forces shape our world. Discover how these forces influence art concepts of shape and form, serving as essential building blocks for creating masterpieces.
- Colorful Discoveries: Immerse yourself in the vibrant realm of primary colors. Transform MAGNA-TILES® play into a canvas for creativity, using the colorful tiles to explore the interaction of light and create stunning hues and shades that delight the senses.
- Engineering Excellence: Unleash your creativity at the Innovation Station, where MAGNA-TILES® pieces become the foundation for new inventions with every magnetic connection. Investigate the art concept of form as your 3D structures come to life. With the MAGNA-TILES® Builder, Metropolis, and House sets, children can build and discover the physics of construction, deepening their understanding of engineering principles.
- 3D Build Extravaganza: Enter the expansive 3D Build Area, where creativity has no limits. Build towering sculptures, detailed landscapes, or a MAGNA-TILES® masterpiece. This space blends art concepts like shape, form, and color recognition as children use basic shapes to create new patterns, objects, animals, and more.
- The “Garage” Shop: Uncover the essence of creativity in our vibrant “Garage” shop, featuring garage and refrigerator doors. This is where magic unfolds, sparking tactile creativity in everyday spaces to craft unique stories.
Ready to Visit?
The new MAGNA-TILES Studio is open during the regular Museum hours: Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MAGNA-TILES sets are available in the Museum’s Gift Shop. The Museum will also house new product launches beginning this fall. For more information, please visit mods.org/magnatilesstudio or call 954.467.MODS (6637).