A Eureka! moment…
Dame Vivien Duffield
Dame Vivien Duffield, Chair of the Clore Duffield Foundation, was inspired by the children’s museums that she saw during visits to the USA. Back at home she pursued her idea to create the UK’s very own children’s museum, and The Museum for Children was formally constituted as a registered charity in 1985.
Why Halifax?
HRH The Prince of Wales had become aware of a vacant site in Halifax, West Yorkshire through his involvement with Business in the Community. He suggested that the location would be perfect for Eureka!, hoping also that its creation would act as a catalyst for economic regeneration in Halifax.
Prince Charles officially opened the museum on 9 July 1992. Eureka! cost more than £9 million to develop and open, primarily funded by the Clore Duffield Foundation, though funding came from a number of sources within both the charitable and corporate sectors.
Dame Vivien remains Eureka!’s Life President, and Prince Charles went on to be our patron until 2002, and we’re VERY proud of our association with both!
