RALEIGH -- Wake County children will soon have a new place where they can let their imaginations run wild.

Playspace and Exploris Museum are combining to form an innovative children's museum in downtown Raleigh. It's a fresh coat of paint for an old space with a new concept.

"We're a totally interactive, hands-on museum," said Sally Edwards, museum president.

The museum will feature four permanent galleries and one for traveling exhibits, as well as outside spaces.

"This entire gallery is for our youngest visitors, and it's called 'Around Town,'" said Deirdre Albert, with the museum.

It's a miniature downtown, complete with a fire truck and ambulance. There's also a stage and dress up area downstairs.

"It's an opportunity for them to try being something that they're not sure if they can be yet without any repercussions," said Albert.

"Splash" is an interactive water exhibit with a liquid art lab and a surprise water craft. Upstairs, older children will enjoy "2 B Me," an exhibit all about self-expression.

The "Build It" area features opportunities to imagine, design and build.

"They'll be drafting tables to play with blueprints, there will be on the wall half a cityscape that they can finish," explained Albert.

The name of the new museum is being kept a secret until opening day, but organizers say a structure at the front entrance is a good clue.

"It's creative, it's fun, it's really rooted in our building, in our location," said Sally Edwards, about the name.

Volunteers have donated time to complete much of the work, like two artists who are painting an underwater scene in the infant area.

Denise Hughes said she and her toddler will spend a lot of time at the museum.

"It will be wonderful for him to grow up knowing his mom was a part of painting," said Hughes.

As the fresh coats cover the old, the new vision is taking shape.

"We imagine kids and families and community groups in and out of here, learning, imagining, being creative," said Edwards.

The museum officially opens Sept. 29.

The grand opening celebration is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will feature bands, clowns and magicians. Admission is free that day.