Museo Pambata facts for kids
 |
|
The Museo Pambata, in the 1911 Manila Elks Club bldg.
|
|
| Established | 1993 |
|---|---|
| Location | Ermita, Manila, Philippines |
| Type | Children's museum |
The Museo Pambata is a special museum for children in Manila, Philippines. Its name means "Museum for Children." It is located in the Ermita district, close to Rizal Park. The museum is housed in the old Elks Club Building, which was built in 1910.
Contents
What Makes Museo Pambata Special?
The Museo Pambata is an interactive museum. This means you can touch and play with the exhibits! Unlike many museums where things are behind glass, here you learn by using all your senses. The museum wants to be a place where kids discover new things. It also aims to share Filipino culture and support children's rights. They often have fun programs and events for everyone.
How Museo Pambata Started
A Dream Comes True
The Museo Pambata opened in 1994. It was the dream of Nina Lim-Yuson, a teacher and mother of four. She visited the Boston Children’s Museum in America with her kids. They had so much fun with the hands-on exhibits. Nina wished there was a similar place in the Philippines. She wanted Filipino children to learn and have fun at the same time.
Getting the Museum Ready
In March 1993, Nina and her mother, Estefania Aldaba-Lim, shared their idea. They proposed using the historic Elks Club Building in Manila. The mayor of Manila, Alfredo Lim, quickly approved their plan.
A group of educators, artists, and architects started meeting. They brainstormed ideas for the museum. An architect named Joselito Tecson designed the theme rooms for free. In December 1993, the Manila City Council allowed Museo Pambata to use the building for free for 10 years. Funds were raised to start fixing up the building.
Opening Day and Supporters
The museum officially opened on December 21, 1994. Many people and organizations helped make it happen. These supporters, called "Ninongs and Ninangs" (sponsors), gave money to support the museum. Over the years, more groups joined to help Museo Pambata grow.
In 2012, Museo Pambata received a special award in Italy. It was recognized for inspiring new children's museums in the Philippines and Asia. In 2016, it was also nominated for a cultural award, sometimes called "the Oscars for museums."
Explore the Theme Rooms
Museo Pambata has eight exciting theme rooms to explore:
- Kalikasan (Environment) and Karagatan (Under the Sea): Here, you can explore a pretend rainforest and seabed. You'll learn about protecting our environment and oceans.
- Maynila Noon (Old Manila): Step back in time! See artifacts and exhibits that show what Manila was like long ago.
- Paglaki Ko (Career Options): Discover different jobs and imagine what you want to be when you grow up. It currently highlights writers and illustrators.
- I Love My Planet Earth: Learn about climate change and how you can help take care of our planet.
- Pamilihang Bayan (Marketplace): This room has play stores and shops. You can pretend to be a shop owner and practice your business skills.
- Katawan Ko (My Body Works): Explore the human body! Learn how your organs work and how to stay healthy.
- Bata sa Mundo (Children in the Global Village): This room displays dolls from all over the world.
The museum also has a children's library, a gift shop, and a playground.
Special Programs
Learning About Children's Rights
Museo Pambata's programs focus on children's rights. These include the right to education, health, play, and healthy growth. The museum has a special area called Karapatan Hall for this.
In 1995, they held a tournament to teach kids about their rights. Later, they had "Mag-ROCK Tayo!" (Rights Of the Child Kontest). These projects helped children learn about their basic rights. These rights are listed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In 2009, a three-day summit called "Kanino ba ang CRC?" was held. It celebrated 20 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Fifty children from different backgrounds came together. They talked about their rights and responsibilities. They also shared messages with people and groups who work for children.
Reading and Literacy Programs
Since 1995, the Mobile Library Program has helped kids who don't have many books. A special van, like a library on wheels, visits different areas. It has over 3,000 children's books. Kids can listen to stories and borrow books. This program helps children in Manila and nearby cities learn to love reading.
In 1998, the museum started "Aklat: Karapatan at Kapangyarihan para sa Kabataan" (The Book: The Right and Empowerment of the Youth). This program gave mini-libraries to communities. Storytelling sessions also became a regular activity at the museum's library.
In 1999, the museum worked with the Manila Mayor's office on "Sa Aklat Sisikat!" This campaign aimed to get public school children in Manila to read more. It helped improve reading skills across the city.
See also
In Spanish: Museo Pambata para niños
