Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Kroesen.
Hi Andy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The mission of the Peace Pavilion is simple but powerful: “Engaging the pursuit of peace by promoting peaceful learning, living, and action.” Everything we do flows from that commitment.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the primary program of PeacePathways, the Peace Pavilion is an interactive children’s museum uniquely designed to explore peace education in practical, hands-on ways. Rather than simply talking about peace as an abstract concept, we help children and adults experience it, practice it, and apply it in their everyday lives.
Originally launched in 1995 as the Children’s Peace Pavilion, we relocated in 2022 to an expanded space that allows us to serve more families, schools, and community organizations. Throughout our growth, our core purpose has remained the same: to provide a safe, welcoming environment where children and adults can explore what it truly means to be a peacemaker.
Our museum experience is built around four foundational dimensions of peace:
• Peace for Me – developing self-esteem, emotional awareness, and self-regulation
• Peace for Us – building skills in empathy, communication, conflict resolution, and bullying prevention
• Peace for Everyone – celebrating diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship
• Peace for the Planet – encouraging environmental stewardship and responsibility
These four pillars form the curricular backbone of every exhibit, lesson, and interactive activity. Guests don’t just observe — they engage. They practice resolving conflicts. They explore how their words affect others. They learn how caring for the planet is part of being a peacemaker.
What makes the Peace Pavilion especially meaningful is the diversity of those we serve. Our guests include families, schools and preschools, religious and community groups, and children and adults with disabilities. We intentionally design experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all participants.
Ultimately, the Peace Pavilion exists to equip people — especially children — with practical peacemaking tools they can carry into their homes, classrooms, and communities. We believe peace isn’t passive; it’s active. It’s a daily practice. And when children learn those skills early, they become confident, compassionate leaders who help create more peaceful outcomes in their world.
That’s the heart of our work — building peace by empowering people to live it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have been incredibly blessed with wonderful supporters who helped make our new facility a reality. However, sustaining ongoing funding remains a vital priority as we work to ensure we can serve future generations.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Peace Pavilion is a truly unique children’s museum. There are very few—if any—interactive children’s museums dedicated specifically to teaching peace concepts the way the Peace Pavilion does.
What makes us most proud is the positive impact our museum is having on those who visit.
A first-grade teacher from inner-city Kansas City shared, “I like that the Pavilion teaches life-saving skills. ‘Stop, Think, Peace’ can save lives.” He went on to say he planned to implement the program in his classroom.
A preschool teacher wrote, “The staff and docents were wonderful with the children—very friendly—and the message was powerful. We will use ‘Stop, Think, Peace’ in our classroom. This is one of our favorite field trips every year.”
An elementary teacher commented, “The staff and docents were wonderful! Great job! The exhibits were engaging and the hands-on activities were fantastic. Thank you for your service to the children of our city—they all need this experience.”
One mother brought her two children to the Children’s Peace Pavilion because they were struggling to get along. She wanted them to learn practical tools for resolving their differences peacefully.
Another mother brought her six-year-old son to learn skills for managing his emotions after he had been expelled from school for fighting.
We receive many meaningful comments from our visitors. Recently, as children were preparing to leave, we overheard them say, “This was the best day of my life,” “I’d like to stay here forever,” “This was so much fun,” and “I love this place.”
But one of my favorite comments came from an adult visitor who simply wrote, “This place saves lives.”
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My mentors were individuals who had been involved with our organization for many years, as well as friends and colleagues in related professions, such as teachers, therapists, conflict resolution specialists, and medical professionals.
Pricing:
- Thursday-Saturday $8 for adults and kids ages 2 and older
- Tuesday-Wednesday Pre-arranged Field Trip Groups of 10 kids or more $4 for adults and kids ages 2 and older
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thepeacepavilion.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeacepavilion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePeacePavilion
