Action research has proven to be a powerful protocol for enhancing best-practices pedagogy and for guiding reflective practitioners in becoming effective change agents. This dissertation uses action research methods to, first, frame the institutional process of crafting a new, complex water exhibit at a Massachusetts children’s museum; and second, to closely follow, reflect upon, and assess the efforts by multiple stakeholders across a two-year period to produce an exemplary learning environment. This research provides parameters by which other children’s museums can likewise maximize their creativity and resources in exhibit development through the use of fully substantiated action research methodology.