Part 7 of the Children’s Museum Series. (Reprinted from “The Switch for Children’s Creativity.”)

Mexico. It is the birthplace of “KidZania,” a theme park that offers children the chance to experience different jobs. Mexico is also home to another massive theme park for children called “Papalote.” The indoor exhibition area alone spans 10,000 square meters, and the outdoor area is about the same size. It’s truly impressive.

　The building, featuring geometric shapes and traditional Mexican tiles, was designed by architect Ricardo Legoretta. Blue, yellow, green, and orange. I’ve heard that 200,000 tiles were used.

©papalote museo del nino/chapultepec.

　Its goal is to promote children’s learning, communication, and collaboration through interactive exhibits on science, technology, and art. The museum places great importance on the role of facilitators, and staff members wearing green jackets—known as “Cueate” (which means “friend” in an indigenous language)—were on hand to support the children’s learning.

　The permanent exhibition consists of five zones, and the collection reportedly includes about 400 items, primarily exhibits. All of the exhibits are designed so that children can touch, play with, and learn from them.

　©papalote museo del nino/chapultepec.

　The “I Am Me” zone focuses on the human body and mind. Activities include assembling anatomical models and watching dissection demonstrations. Visitors can also walk through a dark tunnel to experience what it’s like to be blind. The goal is to help children understand their own bodies and emotions and foster self-esteem.

　In the “Communication” zone, visitors learn about the various ways people communicate. They can send a letter using compressed air; build a radio to record their own voices; engage in dance battles using an online dance game; create stop-motion animations; learn about fiber optics; and view a digital display showcasing the history of multimedia. The goal is to help visitors understand how communication technology has transformed our lives.

　In the “Belonging” section, children learn about everything from their families—the people closest to them—to the plants and animals of Earth, and even the most complex aspects of the universe. At the large tree standing in the center of the museum, visitors can observe the animals, insects, and plants that live there through the tree itself. The movements of butterflies are displayed via live cameras and other means, allowing visitors to observe the condition of the hive and the movements of the queen bee.

　The exhibition also showcases Mexico’s rich variety of plants and animals through numerous other specimens. There’s even a display where eggs hatch into chicks. A large-scale aerial photograph is laid out on the floor, and children are walking around examining it with magnifying glasses.Children wear costumes representing the Sun, Earth, and other celestial bodies, creating their own solar system. The goal is for them to learn the importance of protecting the environment in which they live.

　In the “Understanding” zone, visitors explore the nature of science through 25 exhibits covering physics, mathematics, science, geology, and more. These include experiments with static electricity, the mechanics of lightning, a giant gear, a human-sized soap bubble, and a bed of iron nails that doesn’t hurt because your body weight is distributed. Try controlling the air. Try creating a water current.Inside the museum, visitors use giant tracks to roll bowling balls and learn about the center of gravity.

　　©papalote museo del nino/chapultepec.

　In the “Express Yourself” zone, children develop their creativity and imagination as they express their ideas, feelings, and thoughts through art, creativity, and discovery. From washi paper-making and sculpture to shadow puppetry and a giant piano, this is a craft area where children can work with a variety of materials and tools.

　It also features the largest digital screen in Mexico City. This theater, which seats 333 people, shows educational videos and other content. It also has an archaeology-themed garden, which features a pyramid and was hosting a treasure hunt workshop.Outside, there are exhibits of various vehicles that visitors can actually ride. There are also workshops—unique to an outdoor setting—where participants can design windmills and kites.

　Papalote also actively runs programs for people with disabilities and low-income individuals; reportedly, its program for homeless children attracted 4,000 visitors in just a few months. In addition, the organization operates a traveling museum, transporting approximately 70 exhibits to various locations to host exhibitions and workshops.

　The entrance is adorned with a wall of beautiful tiles bearing the names of sponsoring companies, and it seems that this wonderful exhibition and outreach program are made possible by the support of many people.