placita mágica
a special 50th anniversary exhibit on display through January 3, 2025
Explore Mexican cultural traditions in this enchanting plaza bursting with STEAM concepts and interactive play. The immersive setting includes decoration, architecture, and cityscape silhouettes of Mexican cities that expand the worldview and sense of place for young learners. In Mexico, plazas function as gathering spots where communities come together. Join us at Placita Mágica to gather, celebrate, and play.
recommended for ages 3 and older
Placita Mágica is sponsored by ABUELITA™ and in partnership with the Embassy of Mexico, the Mexican Cultural Institute and is partially supported through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor – Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
celebrating 50 years of play
National Children’s Museum is honoring its history by looking back at its founding in 1974—first as The Children’s Museum of Inquiry and Discovery and later as the Capital Children’s Museum. Beloved by the community, the original Mexico exhibit opened at Capital Children’s Museum in 1979 and was full of culturally enriching activities. Children had the opportunity to learn traditional Mexican crafts, such as wood carving, embroidery, and papier-mâché. In the storefront kitchen “La Abuelita,” children also made items from popular cuisine, such as tacos with hand-pressed tortillas and Mexican hot chocolate. This cultural exhibit spanned decades and was an essential part of our H Street location and the local community. Placita Mágica serves as a tribute to the past and a reminder of the Museum’s rich history and its commitment to fostering curiosity and creativity in young minds.
exhibit experiences
turn table
Build and test your own spinning tops.
smell station
Activate your memory through smell at Abuelita’s cart.
bernoulli fountain
Launch “water droplet” balls with moving air blowers at the central Bernoulli fountain.
projector table
Use tiles to design your own papel picado projection.
ball maze
Design your own unique cityscape maze.
what is your child learning?
expanding our world and understanding our surroundings (what is a community?)
experimentation through active play
working collaboratively with other children and taking turns
where is this exhibit located?
Placita Mágica is located on Floor 1, one level down from the main entrance, next to Data Science Alley and Engineering Games + Play.
