The Cultural Terrace will be home to Pretend City Children’s Museum (click here for video)

On March 26, 2024, the Great Park Board and City Council voted to approve lease agreements for Pretend City and Orange County Music & Dance. These agreements will pave the way for the development of the Cultural Terrace at the Great Park into one of Southern California’s most dynamic cultural, historical, educational, and arts centers.   

The development at the Cultural Terrace will feature expanded new homes for the two premier nonprofit organizations. Working together to create a pioneering project on a unified campus that maximizes sustainable buildings and landscapes, the duo and forthcoming partners will begin welcoming visitors in the winter of 2026.   

“The addition of two well-respected organizations at the Great Park will help continue the City’s commitment to fostering youth development and providing top-tier educational programs,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “Further, these nonprofits will contribute to the City’s economic development and ensure the Great Park truly is a park for all.”  

Once completed, the pioneering project will provide interactive, one-of-a-kind early childhood learning and development, artistic, and educational programs. 

“Pretend City is looking forward to bringing our early learning and child development programs to even more families, helping them ensure their children are growing up healthy and ready to succeed in school,” said Ellen Pais, Executive Director of Pretend City. “We are especially excited by the opportunity to be a part of this incredible community resource and help make Great Park a destination for all Southern California. We thank the City for its partnership and support and look forward to providing engaging educational experiences for years to come.”