New Kool-Aid Exhibit

New Entrance The current Kool-Aid exhibit is over 20 years old and has drawn thousands of people to Hastings from all over the country. It has been a great exhibit but it is time for a change. We wanted to re-imagine what the space could look like and address some of the pitfall we have discovered with the design of the old space.

Over the years, we have observed visitors within the space and asked for input. What we learned is that people come expecting to see Kool-Aid and they do not identify the DM Perkins General Merchandise recreation as part of that story. Thus, they tend to seek out what is the iconic imagery of the Kool-Aid Man and miss part of the early history. The new exhibit will embrace the bright colors of the drink mix and have the iconic Kool-Aid Man greeting visitors from the beginning and guiding them into the space.

Consolidated Perkins Story

History buffs will not be disappointed either. On-third of the exhibit will still share the life story of Edwin Perkins and his work and inspiration leading up to the development of his most successful product.

We hope to work with the selected contractors to have the exhibit open in 2025. This exhibit is funded through the Hastings Museum Foundation and other granting sources. The design phase of the new Kool-Aid exhibit is 95% complete. It will go out for a build bid in 2024.

Below are renderings from the design.