Amazeum receives $3 million from Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation
The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation gave $3 million to the Scott Family Amazeum's $25 million capital campaign.
The Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville announced Thursday (Jan. 15) that the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has donated $3 million to the museum’s $25 million capital campaign, supporting its growth and creating new spaces for early learning, community connection and outdoor exploration.
Mandy Macke, executive director of the Walker Foundation, presented the $3 million check during the topping out event Jan. 6 to mark the placement of the final structural steel beam for The Hangout, the Amazeum’s new community gathering space.
The Expanding Futures campaign is expanding the Amazeum in three new areas: the Early Learning Advancement Center, The Hangout & Porch, and The Backyard. Construction on the expanded campus began in June 2025, with the new spaces expected to open in late 2026.
The Walker Foundation gift is among the largest to the Amazeum.
“The Walker Foundation wanted to be a part of the Expanding Futures campaign because it’s exciting that we are including everybody in Northwest Arkansas, no matter how you live, what town you live in, or how you grew up,” Macke said. “Kids and families are encouraged and invited to come to the [Amazeum] campus and be part of this amazing opportunity.”
The Expanding Futures campaign has raised $18 million.
“We are deeply grateful to the Walker Foundation for this transformational investment,” said Seth Duell, capital campaign manager of the Scott Family Amazeum. “Their support allows us to expand access to joyful learning experiences and strengthen early childhood education for families throughout our region.”