What The Doseum does

The DoSeum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit children's museum headquartered at 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas, operating from a 104,000-square-foot facility that opened June 6, 2015, at a construction cost of $47 million. Founded in 1995 as the San Antonio Children's Museum by a volunteer group and rebranded as The DoSeum in 2015, the organization serves approximately 460,000 visitors annually through 11 permanent interactive exhibits spanning STEM, arts, and literacy — including Semmes Foundation Spy Academy, Zachry Innovation Station, Little Town, Force Course, Imagine It!, Sensations Studio, Big Outdoors (39,000 sq ft outdoor), eXplore, The Air Out There, Pop! A Bubble Lab, and Calm Corner — augmented by rotating exhibits such as Dinosaurs in Motion (May–September 2026).

The organization generates revenue across earned and contributed streams: $18 general admission, annual Family Memberships, Circles Society philanthropic memberships ranging from $500 to $10,000, TEKS-aligned field trips at $12–$14 per child with a $5 Title I discount, birthday party packages, private event rentals, preschool tuition ($150–$275/month), seasonal camps (20+ options), overnight Night at The DoSeum experiences, an onsite retail store, and the DoSeum Design Studio consulting arm that has delivered exhibit content for clients including USAA Fort Innovate, Austin Energy, McNay Art Museum, and the Museum of the Future Dubai. Customer segments include families with children ages 0–11 (primary), K–5 schools and educational groups, corporate event clients, underserved and accessibility-focused families served through DoSeum For All (founded 1996, providing $5 Museums For All admission for SNAP/WIC families and quarterly Beyond Limits sensory-friendly events), and corporate sponsors and donors led by H-E-B (Charles Butt), Harvey Najim, the Najim Family Foundation, Valero, Zachry Group, CPS Energy, PNC, Toyota, and Bank of America. Distribution is single-site physical (San Antonio) plus mobile outreach (GoSeum) and reciprocal membership access through ASTC and ACM global networks.

Name

The Doseum

Legal name

San Antonio Children's Museum

Website

https://thedoseum.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The DoSeum is a San Antonio-based 501(c)(3) children's museum operating a 104,000-square-foot interactive facility with 11 permanent STEM, arts, and literacy exhibits, serving ~460,000 visitors annually through admissions, memberships, field trips, camps, preschool, retail, and Design Studio consulting.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Museum

NAICS

Museums (712110), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Fine Arts Schools (611610), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Children’s Museums (THAJADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Digital/Interactive Curriculum Content (Apps, Games, Multimedia Lessons) (EDACAJAK), Children’s & Youth Educational Entertainment (Edutainment) (EDAGALAK), Half-Day Nursery Programs (EDACACAC), Family, Kids & Education Fairs (MPAGAFAH)

Keywords

• Children's museum exhibits
• Interactive STEM programs
• Early childhood education
• Museum field trips
• Exhibit design services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Antonio

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. General Admission: Daily admission fees charged to visitors. General admission is $18 for ages 1 and up. Children under 1 enter free. Members and Circle Members receive free admission.
2. Memberships: Annual family memberships starting with two people (one adult, one child) with $30 per additional family member. Includes unlimited visits, ASTC and ACM reciprocal network benefits, and member-only hours. Circles Society philanthropic memberships range from $500-$10,000 annually.
3. Field Trips: School group visits at $12-$14 per child depending on season. Title I schools receive $5/person discounted rate. Includes self-guided Exploration Field Trips and guided Adventure Field Trips (Spy Among Us, Alphabet Avengers).
4. Birthday Parties: Private party packages including all-day museum access, private party room, birthday host, and themed celebrations. Additional discounts available for members.
5. Private Event Rentals: Corporate and social event venue rental. 104,000 sq. ft. facility available for weddings, graduations, corporate team building, conferences, and holiday parties. Rental guide pricing available upon request.
6. Programs: Camps (Spring Break, Summer, Holiday) with over 20 camp options. Night at The DoSeum overnight adventures ($50-55/person). Workshops (Little Maker, Little Artist, Maker, Artist) included with admission. Little Doers Preschool tuition-based program.
7. Retail Store: The DoSeum Store sells educational toys, apparel, and souvenirs. All purchases contribute to DoSeum For All fund supporting admission scholarships and field trip discounts.
8. Donations and Grants: Tax-deductible contributions support DoSeum For All initiatives including free/reduced admission, GoSeum outreach, and field trip scholarships. Major donors include Charles Butt, Harvey Najim, Kim Lewis, Malú and Carlos Alvarez, H-E-B, Valero, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The DoSeum is a nonprofit children's museum operating a 104,000-square-foot interactive facility in San Antonio, Texas with hands-on STEM, arts, and literacy exhibits for children ages 0-11. The organization sells admissions, memberships, school field trips, camps, birthday parties, private event rentals, preschool tuition, retail merchandise, and professional exhibit design consulting services through its DoSeum Design Studio.

Product overview

The DoSeum is a children's museum in San Antonio offering interactive STEM, arts, and literacy exhibits and programs. The core product is a 104,000-square-foot facility with 11 permanent interactive exhibits (including Semmes Foundation Spy Academy, Zachry Innovation Station, Little Town, Force Course, Imagine It!, Sensations Studio, Big Outdoors, eXplore, The Air Out There, Pop! A Bubble Lab, and Calm Corner), plus rotating traveling exhibits like Dinosaurs In Motion. The DoSeum complements exhibits with educational programs including camps (summer, spring break, holiday), The Little Doers Preschool, field trips, sensory-friendly Beyond Limits events, overnight Night at The DoSeum experiences, and community outreach via GoSeum. Additional offerings include DeSign Studio (professional exhibition design services), The DoSeum Store (retail), and Circles Society (premium philanthropic membership tier). The organization serves approximately 460,000 annual visitors across exhibits and programs, with accessibility initiatives through DoSeum For All providing free or reduced-cost access to underserved families.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DoSeum Design Studio: A design services division that works with communities and organizations to craft unique designs for exhibits, educational programs, and interactive experiences.
• GoSeum
• DoSeum For All
• Circles Society

Products and services

• General Admission Walk-in daily admission to the museum's interactive exhibits for ages 1 and up at $18 per person, with free entry for children under 1 and free admission for members.
• Family Membership Annual family membership starting with one adult and one child and $30 per additional family member, providing unlimited visits, ASTC and ACM reciprocal network benefits, member-only hours, and discounts on birthday parties.
• School Field Trips TEKS-aligned educational visits for K-5 schools including self-guided Exploration Field Trips and guided Adventure Field Trips such as Spy Among Us (math) and Alphabet Avengers (literacy), priced at $12-$14 per child and $5 per child for Title I schools.
• Birthday Party Packages Private birthday party packages including all-day museum access, a private party room, dedicated birthday host, and themed celebrations, with 20% member discounts available.
• Private Event Rentals Venue rental of the 104,000-square-foot museum facility for weddings, corporate events, team building, conferences, and holiday parties, with pricing available upon request.
• Seasonal Camps Spring break, summer, and holiday camps offering over 20 themed options led by the DoSeum educator team, combining play with STEM, arts, and literacy learning.
• Little Doers Preschool Tuition-based play-based preschool for ages 3-4 set inside the museum environment, offering Mon/Wed, Tue/Thu, and Fri class schedules with extended care at $150-$275 per month plus fees.
• Night at The DoSeum Overnight adventure experience for families, groups, and scouts including STEM activities, exhibit access, snacks, and continental breakfast, priced at $50-$55 per person with a minimum 25 participants.
• DoSeum Design Studio Consulting Professional exhibit design and educational program development services for other museums and organizations, with a portfolio including Museum of the Future Dubai, McNay Art Museum, Children's Museum of Brownsville, YMCA, USAA Fort Innovate, and Austin Energy.
• The DoSeum Store Retail store in the museum main lobby selling educational toys, apparel, and souvenirs without requiring admission, with proceeds supporting the DoSeum For All access fund.
• Beyond Limits Sensory-Friendly Program Quarterly sensory-friendly events with exclusive museum hours, controlled crowds, accommodations such as headphones and sunglasses, assistive signage, and exhibit modifications for children with sensory needs.
• Adult Nite Events Adults-only evening events (21+) featuring interactive exhibits, themed activities, drinks, music, and performances such as the Cavemen & Cocktails event.
• Museo Institute Professional Development Year-long educator professional development program delivered with seven San Antonio cultural institutions (Alamo, Contemporary at Blue Star, Botanical Garden, Zoo, Witte, Briscoe, DoSeum), offering up to 70 CPE credit hours and free field trips.
• Dinosaurs in Motion Exhibit Traveling exhibit of 14 life-size interactive metal dinosaur sculptures by artist John Payne that guests manipulate using pulleys, levers, and remote controls to explore science, art, and engineering.
• GoSeum Outreach Program Mobile outreach program that brings DoSeum hands-on maker-centered learning experiences to neighborhoods, schools, and community centers throughout San Antonio at no cost to participants (currently paused for updates).
• DoSeum For All Access Initiative Access initiative bundling Museums For All ($5 admission for SNAP/WIC families), Free Family Nights, Beyond Limits sensory-friendly events, GoSeum outreach, and Title I field trip discounts.
• Circles Society Philanthropic Membership Annual philanthropic membership tier ranging from Movers ($500) to Builders ($10,000) that supports DoSeum For All access initiatives and provides enhanced benefits including guest passes, priority registration, and reserved parking.
• Dream Leaders Awards Program Annual awards program recognizing children ages 5-11 for leadership, service, and positive impact in the community, conducted as part of San Antonio's DreamWeek celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Quantifiable outcome

• 460,000 annual visitors including 120,000+ children served through DoSeum For All access initiatives (1 in 4 visitors receives free/reduced admission)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers)coreOthersInternational membership organization providing Travel Passport Program benefits. DoSeum members can visit other ASTC museums worldwide (excluding those within 90 miles).
• ACM (Association of Children's Museums)coreOthersGlobal network of children's museums providing 50% off admission reciprocity at participating institutions worldwide.
• San Antonio Department of Arts and CulturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government partner supporting DoSeum For All initiatives and community arts programming. DoSeum is a partner of Visit San Antonio.
• H-E-BmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing corporate supporter of DoSeum For All program. H-E-B Tournament of Champions specifically sponsors the Dinosaurs in Motion traveling exhibit.
• CPS EnergymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor of DoSeum For All initiative. Listed as Maker sponsor for Outside the Lunchbox Luncheon.
• PNC BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting GoSeum outreach program and DoSeum For All initiatives.
• ToyotamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor of GoSeum outreach program and Museo Institute professional development initiative.
• Bank of AmericamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor of DoSeum For All program supporting access initiatives.
• Little Spurs Autism CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting Beyond Limits sensory-friendly programming through consultation and expertise.
• Atelier BrucknermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExhibition design firm collaborated with DoSeum Design Studio on Museum of the Future Dubai project. DoSeum developed children's floor concept and content.
• Dubai Future FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment entity behind Museum of the Future. DoSeum Design Studio developed educational content and Future Heroes program for children's floor.
• Children's Museum of BrownsvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient for DoSeum Design Studio. 26-foot tall climber designed for their pavilion space with Amelia Earhart-themed bilingual exhibition.
• YMCA at PotrancocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient for DoSeum Design Studio. Transformed under-utilized corridor into interactive space with editable lighting, music mixing, and video projection capabilities.
• McNay Art MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient for The Studio at McNay project. DoSeum Design Studios transformed former store into interactive art creation space for all ages.
• USAAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient for Fort Innovate mobile innovation lab. DoSeum developed exhibit content exploring military innovations (night vision, VR, drones, radio communication) for touring museum.
• 160 over 90coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarketing agency partnered with DoSeum and USAA for Fort Innovate mobile museum content development.
• Austin EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient for DoSeum Design Studio. Model developed for area school outreach teaching power grid and energy concepts through interactive exhibits.
• SA2020minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit driving community progress. Collaborated on Future STEM Career Generator exhibit development.
• Little Spurs Autism CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for Beyond Limits sensory-friendly events. Provides consultation through Any Baby Can for staff training on supporting children with special needs.
• Region 20 Special Education DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner providing consultation for Beyond Limits sensory-friendly programming staff training.
• Any Baby CancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization providing consultation for Beyond Limits sensory-friendly program staff training.
• Bakery LorraineminorOthersOn-site café partner providing food service for visitors and events.
• City of San AntoniocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government partner including support for Dream Leaders Awards as part of DreamWeek celebration. Major supporter of accessibility initiatives.
• Visit San AntoniocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial tourism partner of San Antonio. Dinosaurs in Motion exhibit listed as partner program.
• Imagine Exhibitions Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExhibition company that created and produced Dinosaurs in Motion traveling exhibit. Features sculptures by John Payne and Studio Properties LLC.
• Wave HealthcaremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate supporter and sponsor of DoSeum For All initiatives.
• CPS EnergymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaker-level sponsor ($5,000) for Outside the Lunchbox Luncheon. Major supporter of DoSeum programming.
• Howard Energy PartnersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaker-level sponsor for Outside the Lunchbox Luncheon annual fundraising event.
• Cavender Auto FamilymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExplorer-level sponsor ($3,000) for Outside the Lunchbox Luncheon.
• The AlamocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseo Institute partner for year-long educator professional development. Contributes Walking Through History: Diverse People and Perspectives training.
• Contemporary at Blue StarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseo Institute partner providing Contemporary Art as a Teaching Tool professional development for educators.
• San Antonio Botanical GardencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseo Institute partner offering Incorporating Outdoor Learning Experiences training for educators.
• San Antonio ZoocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseo Institute partner providing Unlocking Exploration and Connecting with Nature programming for educators.
• The Witte MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseo Institute partner contributing Interdisciplinary Strategies for STEAM teaching training.
• The Briscoe Museum of Western ArtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseo Institute partner providing Four Pillars of Western Art educator training.
• ShinerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeverage sponsor for Adult Nite: Cavemen & Cocktails event.
• Doña LolaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood vendor for Adult Nite: Cavemen & Cocktails event.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Children's Museum of Indianapolis: The largest children's museum in the world and a direct comparable to The DoSeum in operating model: interactive STEM/arts exhibits, paid admissions, memberships, school field trips, and donor-funded access programs. Comparable scale ambition and exhibit-driven monetization.
• Please Touch Museum: Philadelphia-based children's museum offering hands-on exhibits for ages 0-7 with memberships, field trips, birthday parties, and donor-supported access programs. Closely mirrors The DoSeum's target age range and admission/membership model.
• Boston Children's Museum: One of the oldest and largest U.S. children's museums, with similar exhibit-driven paid admissions, memberships, school programs, and active museum-shop and event-rental revenue streams comparable to The DoSeum.
• Children's Museum Houston: Major U.S. children's museum with a comparable operating model: 100,000+ sq. ft. of interactive exhibits, TEKS-aligned school programs, memberships, donor-supported access initiatives, and a similar mix of permanent and traveling exhibits.
• Discovery Children's Museum: Las Vegas children's museum with hands-on STEM exhibits, memberships, field trips, and donor-funded programming. Comparable visitor mix (families and school groups) and exhibit-driven monetization to The DoSeum.
• Glazer Children's Museum: Tampa-based children's museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits, memberships, school field trips, and birthday party/event revenue. Similar size, mission, and operating model to The DoSeum in a different regional market.
• Children's Creativity Museum: San Francisco children's museum focused on digital media, animation, and maker-based creative exhibits. Comparable mix of interactive technology exhibits (e.g., MERGE/AR), memberships, and field trip programs.
• Madison Children's Museum: Wisconsin-based children's museum with hands-on exhibits spanning art, science, and culture, plus donor-supported access programs and a similar nonprofit operating structure to The DoSeum.
• Port Discovery Children's Museum: Baltimore children's museum offering interactive exhibits, school programs, memberships, and birthday party/event revenue. Comparable in scale and target age band to The DoSeum.

Others

• Imagine Exhibitions: Producer of traveling exhibitions (including The DoSeum's Dinosaurs in Motion). Highly relevant as a strategic ecosystem peer for the Design Studio business line and for sourcing rotating exhibits that drive incremental attendance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thedoseum
• Instagraminstagram.com/p/DYkwkBMD9DW
• Xx.com/thedoseum

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Doseum