The Works' first group of exhibits, The Interactive Image, on imaging and optical technologies, premiered at the Bell Museum in Minneapolis in February 1995.  The response from parents, teachers and children to The Works’ unique and delightful "hands-on, minds-on" learning environment was tremendous and inspired us to proceed.

For the next 6 years, The Works created a thriving museum in temporary quarters donated by local shopping malls — first Ridgedale, then Eden Prairie Center, then Southdale Center. During this time we launched a variety of quality educational programs and added two major new exhibit areas: Gears & Gizmos (about machines and mechanisms) and Build! (about structures and design.)

In 2002, we moved The Works to a secure and functional space in the Edina Community Center.  Our audience and programs have grown dramatically; we now welcome almost 40,000 people every year.  The Works has become a community resource and civic attraction, inspiring thousands of families, tens of thousands of students in school groups and other groups, and over 800 summer campers.  We are also a nationally recognized pioneer in professional development in engineering for elementary school teachers, with customized workshops and the annual E4 Conference:  Excellence in Elementary Engineering Education. 

The Works has now been a leader in innovative engineering education for over 15 years, reaching more than 220,000 children and adults from the Twin Cities and beyond.  In 2009, our Board of Trustees set a bold strategy for the future – to transform The Works’ capacity to welcome and inspire more than 100,000 visitors every year with the joy of hands-on engineering.  Keep an eye on The Works for new exhibits, new programs and a much higher profile in the years ahead.

Our mission –to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers and creative problem solvers – has never been more needed or wanted.  Our purpose –to awaken every child’s inner engineer – keeps us focused on individual, hands-on engineering experiences for each visitor to The Works.