[3] In addition to serving as a major cultural attraction for the region, The Magic House holds a special place in the history of St. Louis.

The Magic House was founded by two St. Louis women, Jody Newman and Barbie Freund, who volunteered three years of their time to create a cultural institution that would be both educational and fun.

In 1997, the Museum underwent a major expansion which added the Children's Village, Math Path, Fitness Center and an Education Wing.

The Magic House is a self-supporting 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individual, foundation and corporate donors.

80 percent of funding comes from earned revenue sources such as admissions, the gift shop and the Picnic Basket Cafe.

In addition to daily operations and admissions at the museum, The Magic House provides outreach programs, field trips and special events.

With support from several corporations and foundations, The Magic House is able to bring educational outreach programs to schools, libraries and hospitals, reaching more than 25,000 children each year.

The exhibit is funded by former Magic House board member and Mizzou Alumnus Dave Spence and his wife Suzie.

[10] • Backyard Magic: Opened in 2001, the Backyard Magic area features a large Victorian Education Pavilion, a Children's Sculpture Garden and an outdoor Exhibit Patio that houses Sandcastle Beach; a seasonal exhibit featuring sand sculpture by Dan Belcher.