Part 6 of the Children’s Museum Series. (Reprinted from “The Switch to Children’s Creativity.”)

　A children's museum affiliated with the Tropical Museum (KIT) in central Amsterdam.Designed for children ages 6 to 13, this museum opened in 1975 as Europe’s first children’s museum. Since KIT is an ethnographic museum, the KIT Children’s Museum also features exhibits focused on ethnic groups and cultures.It provides a space for children to engage with traditions—including storytelling, songs, dance, and art—by blending them with Western theater and technology through the use of interactive media.

　Primarily, musicians, dancers, and actors from the countries represented in the exhibits create the programs, drawing children into the world of the exhibits and ensuring that a visit becomes a hands-on experience. In other words, it is a museum that combines not only “hands-on” exhibits—those that allow visitors to interact physically—but also intangible cultural elements such as dance, music, art, crafts, and storytelling.The goal is to foster an understanding and respect for the diversity of world cultures. Children are exposed to a variety of values, ways of thinking, religions, traditions, and lifestyles from around the world, enabling them to recognize both the differences and similarities between these cultures and their own, and to develop their own unique perspectives.

©Villa Zapakara – Suriname

　Exhibitions have featured the cultures of Senegal, Bali, and the Aboriginal peoples, among others, and the themes change every two to five years. It is said that each exhibition is designed to meet seven criteria.

　First and foremost, “something that allows for immersion.” The exhibits are based on a solid narrative and present a condensed version of the real world. By leveraging audio technology and interactive media, we strive to immerse children even more deeply in that world.

　The second point is “being contemporary.” They say they strive to present universal themes within the context of modern culture. For children, they aim to bridge the past and the present and show how the exhibition content relates to their daily lives.

　The third is “dynamism.” It’s not just about looking or listening. By participating in the exhibition activities, children can become part of that culture. The exhibition is designed to stimulate children’s curiosity and allow them to experience a learning process that is active and embodied. Children use all their senses to the fullest as they develop physical, social, and intellectual skills.

　The fourth is “providing surprises.” We focus on surprising visitors and sparking their curiosity through unexpected events, unexpected exhibits, and unexpected interactions with museum staff.

　Fifth is “personal perspective.” Rather than relying on clichés that represent a culture, the presentation stays true to individual stories. By focusing on individuals rather than isolating specific aspects of other countries’ cultures, it seeks to convey the culture as holistically as possible.

　The sixth principle is “authenticity.” We strive to provide children with authentic experiences within contexts based on real people and real life. While the exhibition is designed for children, we emphasize that it is not childish. We strive for consistency and depth by ensuring that, whenever possible, children have the opportunity to interact with authentic materials rather than imitations.

　That is precisely why, they say, the ideas and concepts for the exhibitions are developed as staff members actually travel to the locations to conduct field research. In addition, they reportedly source musical instruments, crafts, and traditional costumes directly from the local areas, and the workshop facilitators are also local residents.

©Tropenmuseum Junior

　Finally, “sharing.” We share knowledge and ideas with local cultural experts and artists. We share experiences with a variety of experts outside the museum. Visitors share their experiences with family, friends, and classmates. We place great importance on sharing.

　When I visited, the exhibition featured the culture of the Ashanti people of Ghana in West Africa. The museum had been transformed to resemble an Ashanti palace: a reception room, a treasure chamber, a secret room, a courtyard, the king’s closet, and a drum room. The palace housed a variety of collections.Jewelry, paintings, the king’s garments, drums…

　The children who come here have already completed their lessons at school. Guided by staff, children ages 6 to 12—dressed in traditional costumes—sing, dance, and tell stories like royalty, discovering life in the palace and its secrets. Their high level of skill is truly impressive.

　This museum is constantly exploring new approaches. For this exhibition, it set up a special website for children. Children who visited the museum were able to create their own web pages and share their experiences.

　As a museum with a long history and extensive experience, it also plays an international role by bringing its exhibitions to other countries and providing consulting services on exhibition concepts. It is likely that its receipt of the Children’s Museum Grand Prize in 2012 was based on these achievements.

　©Tropenmuseum Junior