Some projects feel like coming home again.
Years ago, 1220 Exhibits had the privilege of bringing the original Healthyville to life at Stepping Stones Museum for Children — a vibrant, hands-on space where kids could explore healthy habits, wellness and the everyday choices that help us grow strong from the inside out. From crafting the interactive structures to installing immersive elements, our team helped create a world where children could step into imaginative play while learning valuable lessons about personal growth.
So when Stepping Stones asked us to reimagine Healthyville as part of its new Learning Village, we were thrilled to return, not just to build again, but to evolve the story and expand the experience.
Inside the New Learning Village at Stepping Stones Museum
The new Healthyville is more than a refresh, it’s a transformation. Nestled within the Stepping Stones Learning Village, this immersive neighborhood invites children to step into kid-sized, intricately designed structures. Each building is more than a playful space; it’s a stepping stone in a child’s journey to understanding six core traits that form the foundation of healthy communities: kindness, responsibility, mindfulness, safety, empathy, and honesty.
For 1220 Exhibits, this project was a chance to draw on our full suite of capabilities including AV, scenic, paint, lighting, carpentry and installation. The neighborhood we helped create includes hands-on structures, play zones, and immersive pathways that together bring the Learning Village to life.
A Closer Look at the Market, City Hall, and Scenic Houses
This included crafting a fully realized market complete with custom countertops, shelving units, floor-mounted stools, and printed wallpaper murals; a kid-sized city hall with a scenic façade; and three scenic house flats featuring an interactive doorbell and monitor. Each house was detailed with its own personality through scenic touches like mailboxes, window boxes, curtains, picket fencing, and more all designed to withstand heavy play while enriching the storytelling experience. Each piece was engineered to be safe, durable, and visually engaging, blending functionality with storytelling to ensure that children not only play but learn lessons about character and community along the way.
In this updated Village, children don’t just engage in imaginative play; they learn that character and community are deeply connected. The immersive environment acts as a playground, a reflection space, and a miniature society where young explorers can practice kindness, responsibility, and empathy. Every interaction reinforces the idea that healthy communities grow from individual growth, one thoughtful choice at a time.
Continuing a Long-Term Partnership With Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Our collaboration with Stepping Stones didn’t end when the first Healthyville was installed. Returning to this space years later allowed us to continue that partnership – supporting their evolving vision while bringing our expertise and craftsmanship to the table. We value these ongoing relationships, knowing that great exhibits are more than one-time projects. They are evolving stories that grow alongside the communities they serve.
We’re honored to continue our partnership with Stepping Stones Museum for Children and to help evolve an exhibit that has inspired generations. The new Stepping Stones Village is a reminder that, just like the village itself, strong client relationships are built stone by stone – with care, dedication, and shared purpose – long after the first project closes. Check out this video to see the full project come to life.
