In the vibrant heart of downtown San Diego, The New Children's Museum stands as a beacon of creativity, imagination, and innovation. This is not just any museum; it’s a dynamic space where contemporary art and childhood curiosity intersect to create a world of wonder and exploration. Designed by the visionary architect Rob Wellington Quigley, the museum is a testament to sustainable design, being one of the first green museums in California. Its mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity, and critical thinking in children and families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art.
The story of The New Children's Museum began in 1983 in La Jolla, California, where it was originally known as The Children's Museum of San Diego. After a decade, it moved to a downtown warehouse and was renamed Children's Museum/Museo de los Niños. It wasn’t until 2008 that the museum adopted its current name, The New Children's Museum, marking a new era focused on contemporary art installations designed specifically for children.
The grand opening of the new space in 2008 was celebrated with a community block party, featuring an exhibition called childsplay, inspired by the work of Allan Kaprow. This marked the beginning of a tradition of commissioning artists to create interactive, room-sized installations, or playscapes, that invite children to explore, touch, and engage with art in a hands-on way.
As you step into The New Children's Museum, you are greeted by a space that is as much a work of art as the installations it houses. The museum’s architecture, with its bold, angular lines and expansive glass walls, creates an inviting atmosphere filled with natural light. This sets the stage for an adventure that is as educational as it is entertaining.
The museum’s exhibits are ever-changing, with new installations debuting regularly. Each exhibit is designed to engage children of all ages, encouraging them to think critically and creatively. From climbing structures and art studios to interactive sculptures and sensory experiences, there is something to captivate every young mind.
The New Children's Museum has a rich history of groundbreaking exhibitions. In 2009, the Animal Art exhibition explored the ways animals captivate human imagination, featuring works by artists such as Roman de Salvo and Felipe Dulzaides. In 2011, the TRASH exhibition challenged visitors to rethink waste, with installations that turned discarded materials into thought-provoking art.
In 2013, Feast: The Art of Playing with Your Food brought together 13 artists to create installations centered around food, turning everyday meals into extraordinary experiences. The Eureka! exhibition in 2015 celebrated the spirit of California, featuring works that highlighted the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage. In 2016, The Wonder Sound by Wes Bruce transformed a section of the museum into a whimsical, immersive environment that invited exploration and discovery.
Today, the museum continues to push the boundaries of what a children's museum can be. Recent additions include Whammock by Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, a colorful, crocheted play structure that invites children to climb, swing, and bounce. tikitiko by Tanya Aguiniga offers a tactile, sensory-rich environment that encourages hands-on exploration.
The museum also features a variety of programs and workshops designed to engage children and families in the creative process. The Innovators LAB, now known as The Rosso Family Foundation Innovators LAB, is a makerspace where children can experiment with art, design, and science. This space fosters a spirit of innovation and problem-solving, encouraging children to think like inventors and creators.
The New Children's Museum is deeply rooted in the San Diego community. In 2019, the museum launched Studio by the Bay, a partnership with Seaport Village that allows families to see artists at work and participate in creative workshops. This initiative brings art out of the museum and into the community, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The museum’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, it was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, one of the highest honors a museum can receive in the United States. This recognition is a testament to the museum’s impact on the community and its dedication to providing high-quality, engaging experiences for children and families.
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to San Diego, a trip to The New Children's Museum is a must. It’s a place where art and play come together to create unforgettable experiences. As you explore the museum, you will see children’s eyes light up with wonder and excitement, their imaginations ignited by the world of possibilities around them.
The New Children's Museum is more than just a museum; it’s a space that celebrates creativity, curiosity, and the joy of learning. It’s a place where children can be themselves, explore their interests, and discover new passions. So, bring your family, unleash your imagination, and get ready to embark on an adventure that will inspire and delight visitors of all ages.
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