Children's China Exhibit Coming to The Magic House

Beginning in February, families who visit The Magic house can take an overseas adventure in the museum's latest traveling exhibit Children's China: Culture, Character and Confucius.

The west meets the east in this immersive exhibit that transports families to a country where a quickly-changing modern lifestyle intersects with ancient values.  Visitors will discover the many similarities and differences in modern day Chinese culture. Children's China integrates the time-honored teachings of Confucius, China's great teacher, with a focus on the importance of education and family values.  

This interactive exhibit, designed for children ages 3 to 12, explores what life is like for children in China today through six different immersive environments.

In the school, children will celebrate the annual holiday, National Teachers' Day, while learning to write "thank you teacher" in Chinese characters on a touchscreen notepad. Visitors will take on the role of a researcher at the panda reserve and discover how the people of China are caring for this endangered species. The entire family will find exercise fun at the park by using playful equipment that encourages fitness for all ages.

As food is an important cultural experience in China, children will shop in a traditional neighborhood market filled with a variety of fish, fruits and vegetables and then prepare a healthy meal while working in the restaurant. In the home, visitors will learn how families celebrate the Chinese New Year and then will participate in a daily dragon parade lead by a traditional dragon headdress at the Great Achievement Hall. 

Ancient practices will be explored in modern ways as computer interactives invite children to experience the art of paper cutting, discover their lunar calendar animal and play traditional musical instruments.

A key focus of the exhibit will be the story of Confucius, the inspirational teacher and moral leader still considered to be a hero to children in Chin today.  Confucius' beliefs about the importance of family, education and traditions have been at the center of Chinese culture for over 2,500 years and served as a foundation for the development of Children's China. 

Children's China: Culture, Character and Confucius is part of the Freeman Foundation Asian Culture Exhibit Series, funded by The Freeman Foundation and administered by Association of Children's Museums. Created by The Magic House in partnership with the Confucius Institute at Webster University and Character Plus, Children's China is a nationally travelling exhibit designed to increase understanding of the Chinese culture. Children's China is free with Museum admission.

Learn more about this new exhibit at magichouse.org