Linda Isitt and a group of friends began working on the concept of a children’s museum in the City of Winnipeg in 1982. By 1983 the Manitoba Children’s Museum had established itself as a non-profit, charitable organization with Linda Isitt as Executive Director.

The Manitoba Children’s Museum first opened its doors on June 21, 1986 in a 4,000 square foot space in a 90-year-old warehouse on the edge of Winnipeg’s cultural district. The museum had three permanent galleries: The Grain Elevator and Train, Making Sense and The Big Top.

The museum was a success from the beginning. In its first year, over 65,000 guests visited the museum; over 500 families joined as members and more than 800 school, nursery and daycare groups visited the facility.

On June 30, 1988 Phase II of the Manitoba Children’s Museum opened to the public. Despite doubling the museum’s gallery space, Phase II could not keep up with demand. Staff worked in an open loft without divided spaces. The museum’s potential continued to grow.

By the fall of 1989 plans were in motion for yet another expansion, with the hope that within two or three years the museum would have a permanent home. On June 1, 1994 following a $4 million capital campaign, the Manitoba Children’s Museum opened in its current home at The Forks.