The Thinkery, Austin’s children’s museum, has received a flurry of complaints from both staff and community members, accusing the nonprofit of neglecting numerous safety protocols and allowing unsatisfactory working conditions.
On Feb. 7, Lydia Simmons shared a video on Facebook featuring Thinkery staff outside their building, protesting their concerns. In the video, staff members hold signs that say “Nonprofit =/= Neglect” and “Mold, Maggots, and Roaches,” expressing their demands for change.
One staff member said that Thinkery’s security cameras “don’t work” and “we have no protocol for active shooter or fire,” claiming that the organization has failed to address both day-to-day and emergency safety procedures. Another staff member claimed that the organization doesn’t train on Code Adam, a program for when a child goes missing, although the Thinkery denies this.
On the same day, a Reddit thread was posted where hundreds shared their experiences with Thinkery and their qualms with the work environment and the workers’ pay. One user, who claimed to be a former employee, said, “one important consideration outsiders may not be aware of is the severe bloat in the C-suite,” claiming that the organization can afford to pay people, but the majority of those funds are landing in executive pockets.
The Thinkery has publicly denied several of the claims. A statement on their website, addressing the staff protests, began by emphasizing employees’ free speech rights, but calling some claims “inaccurate.”
“As someone who cares deeply about our mission and our staff, I want to acknowledge these challenges openly.” – Thinkery CEO Andy Bell
“Recent inspections of our entire building have confirmed our full compliance with all health and safety regulations through Texas Health and Human Services,” the statement said. “A professional cleaning team is on site during and after Thinkery’s operating hours to sanitize and clean the restrooms and common areas.” Although an inspection of the museum’s child care operation Little Thinkers found no deficiencies in January, a spokesperson for the agency said, “HHSC regulates child care operations … We do not regulate museums.”
In another statement, Thinkery’s CEO, Andy Bell, explained how challenging and difficult the situation has been and emphasized Thinkery’s mission to create a safe environment conducive to learning. He followed by listing safety measures that have been enacted and promised to add supplementary safety training for staff. Bell wrote that staff receive Code Adam training during onboarding, and they added an additional Code Adam training in February.
“As someone who cares deeply about our mission and our staff, I want to acknowledge these challenges openly while sharing how we’re working to move forward,” Bell’s statement said.
“As an institution dedicated to learning, curiosity and discovery, we must apply these same principles to our own operational excellence.”
This article appears in March 7 • 2025.