Museo Pambata reopens with a reimagined museum experience, welcoming the youth to a more vibrant, fun, and imaginative world of Filipino culture.
Museo Pambata, the Philippines’ first children’s museum, proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary with a renewed commitment to shaping the hearts and minds of Filipino children.
The museum recently reopened its doors with a reimagined, interactive space designed to inspire, educate, and spark the imagination of all who visit. With the theme Isla Pambata, the museum honors the rich beauty across the islands and seas that make up the Philippines. It also celebrates the powerful connections that form a nation, highlighting the vibrant diversity of Filipino children and the deep bonds that unite them.
“Generations of children have passed through Museo Pambata’s doors, and this anniversary honors them—and those yet to come,” explains Nina Lim-Yuson, the museum’s founder. “Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce new exhibits like the Rights of a Child exhibit in the Karapatan Hall, a redesigned Arts & Crafts space envisioned by the late Robert Alejandro, and the Classroom of the Future pop-up exhibit in collaboration with Khan Academy and Samsung, designed by JJ Acuña.”
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Building Their World
Museo Pambata offers a variety of engaging activities that highlight this year’s theme through a series of dynamic exhibits and interactive programs designed to inspire and empower the next generation. These interactive initiatives aim to foster self-expression, spark curiosity, and to deepen connections to local traditions, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.
“Our hope for Museo Pambata is to be an intergenerational cultural playground — where we now bring in the youth to champion forward what we all needed when we were younger: adults who listened to us as kids,” shares Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, the museum’s president. “As Museo Pambata remains a constant beacon of light and hope for the Filipino child, it is creating this space to pass down and regenerate wisdom that is so valuable. It’s where we want Filipinos of all ages to believe in the power of our culture and collectively dream of this future, today.”
During the process of building the museum, the Museo Pambata team took Tanjutoco’s advice to heart by listening to the perspectives of the youth and incorporating them accordingly. “We have curated brand new spaces together with young people as we wanted to blend the traditions we have kept in the museum, iconic spaces that remind us of childhood, yet prepare it for the future,” Tanjutco adds. “And who better than co-creating it with those whose future it actually is!”
The museum president explains that as similar cultural institutions are beginning to change—decolonizing themselves into complex playgrounds that capture the nuances of the past, present, and future—Museo Pambata aims to be at the forefront of these new developments through its Balay Yatu, which will serve as Asia’s first youth-curated creative space and cultural center.
Starting A Promising New Chapter
The launch of Isla Pambata kicked off with Kislap Ng Watawat—a flag-raising ceremony at Luneta Park, which was part of the Stop and Salute Movement last November. For the museum’s 30th anniversary, Pista Pambata hosted a series of festive activities celebrating this milestone including Pista ng Kapuluan—a two-day youth convention that showcased over 700 artworks from across the Philippines, giving young artists a platform to share their voices.
Meanwhile, the Sikat Sining program highlights the importance of artistic expression, allowing children to create large-scale artworks that raise awareness about the challenges they face today. Then there’s Dulaan Pambata, which transforms the traditional museum experience with living dioramas, bringing characters and stories to life in an immersive, interactive setting.
Sikat Sining and Dulaan Pambata will continue as part of the museum’s programs even after its 30th anniversary.
There’s plenty more to come in Museo Pambata’s newest chapter. On January 25, 2025 Parada Pambata will fill the streets of Manila with a colorful parade, where children proudly march and display their handmade artwork. Pelikula Pambata film festival, which will take place from February 21 to 22, 2025, will provide young filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their talent and contribute to the future of Filipino cinema.
Together, these programs aim to create a dynamic and inclusive environment for children to explore their creativity and cultural heritage.
“We can’t wait to invite all children back to enjoy this iconic museum that has given so much joy to past generations and that will continue for the many years to come,” expresses Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, vice president of Museo Pambata.
Be A Part of Museo Pambata’s Vision
Museo Pambata is excited about its 30th anniversary journey, but much more remains to be done. The museum continues to rely on the generous support of its benefactors to keep the magic alive. Whether it’s through visiting, donating, or sharing time and talent, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
For instance, becoming a “Ninong” or “Ninang” at Museo Pamabata is one way you can contribute to the museum’s growth and sustainability. Sponsors, donors, and volunteers also help make all the programs and educational exhibits of the museum possible. This year, the museum will be giving special tributes and dedications to its incredible partners who have played a crucial role in helping it flourish.
Whether it’s exploring the newly refreshed exhibits, joining the anniversary festivities, or enjoying a day of play and learning, Museo Pambata offers a unique, enriching immersive experience for children—and children at heart. Together with its dedicated team, you can help make Museo Pambata a transformative space where children can explore their interests, develop a love for the Philippines and its culture, and imagine a brighter future.
Discover more about Museo Pambata at www.museopambata.com.ph and stay updated by following @museopambata on Instagram and Facebook. For inquiries on tours and reservations, you may contact PJ Natoza at 0917 879 4646.
Museo Pambata is located at Roxas Boulevard corner, South Drive, Ermita, Manila. It is open for school tours and private events on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Public visits are accommodated on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with an A.M. Session from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon and a P.M. session from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Photos courtesy of Museo Pambata.
