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Kim Kleven, the new CEO of Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, is not a stranger to the nonprofit. In fact, she’s one of the educational institution’s founders.

“This decision was rooted in the museum’s mission,” Shane Van Engen, the museum’s board chair, said of the appointment in a news release. “Her 20 years of connection to CMSM and deep understanding of our community makes her the clear choice to lead the organization into the future.”

Kleven’s career in early childhood education started at Minnesota State University, Mankato in a work-study position at The Children’s House—an early learning program for infants and preschoolers— which shaped her views on play-based education and later her vision for the children’s museum.

“Play is how children build confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging,” Kleven told MPR News. “When we invest in play, we invest in equity, in families, and in the future of our community. This museum exists because children deserve spaces designed for them, and I am deeply honored to lead that work forward.”

The idea for the children’s museum in Mankato came when Kleven and her family visited the Children’s Museum in Grand Rapids, Minn. She believed southern Minnesota needed a similar space for kids to learn, grow and play, so Kleven worked with a few of her mentors and others in early childhood education to create a board, and ultimately find a location and build it. Before and since it opened in 2015, Kleven has served in a variety of roles, from volunteer to board chair. 

In 2021, Kleven returned to the museum staff as Vice President of Play and Learning, which led strategic efforts to broaden access through scholarships and outreach, strengthen play-based learning experiences, invest in staff and long-term sustainability while broadening the museum’s role in the community. 

Since the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota opened its doors in 2015, it’s received over 100,000 visitors annually. There are interactive exhibits and a wide array of programming, all focused on play, exploration and ongoing education. 

“We stay bound to our mission to make sure that families have access to this space, play does not change that developmental need, those schemas of play, that children need to experience, to grow and develop, that doesn't change,” Kleven said. “We don't need to reinvent the wheel for them. It's continuous and it's supportive. And what children need is consistency. And what children need is people to have voices around them to advocate for them.”

Kleven said equity and access to these spaces is on the forefront of the museum’s mission to provide services for families and what she wants to continue. They have the “Gateway to Play” program that allows all children and families to visit the museum regardless of income, cultural factors, ability or needs.

The program also offers a free or “pay as you are able” scholarship toward membership, and Impact Partners offers families free admission passes. 

According to the museum’s 2025 numbers, 30 percent of all memberships are Gateway to Play members.

Through community partnerships with Minnesota State University, Mankato, local health care providers and service organizations, the museum is also a place where families can get education and resources like vision screenings and oral health education.

A children’s museum, Kleven added, is about “meeting families where they’re at.”

“We want to make sure if a family comes in this museum, they don’t feel like they’re going to get turned away,” she said. “They know they’re going to be welcomed with open arms and they’re going to have a space.”

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Hannah Yang

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The Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota's new CEO Kim Kleven knows the educational institution inside and out, as she's been with the organization as a volunteer, board member, and staff member since its inception. If fact, the idea for a space for children of all backgrounds to learn, grow and play was largely her idea.

Hannah Yang | MPR News

A child looks out at an interactive exhibit. A woman kneels down to look with him.

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota names one of its founders as new CEO

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