Children's museum exhibit blends architecture with Mexican history
Since it opened in November, "Monumental," DuPage Children's Museum's newest exhibit, has invited children to explore concepts of science, technology, engineering, art and math through the cultural and historical lens of iconic Greek and Mayan architecture.
The exhibit was developed by the museum in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, National Hellenic Museum and the National Museum of Mexican Art, and is sponsored by Goya Foods Inc., America's largest Hispanic-owned food company, among several other sponsors.
Goya Midwest General Manager Raphael Rodriguez recently visited the museum, where DCM President and CEO Sarah Orleans presented Goya with a plaque in recognition of the company's support of "Monumental." Rodriguez joined museum Public Programs Manager Marcia MacRae on a tour of the exhibit for a more thorough investigation of how the exhibit integrates the STEM concepts of science, technology, engineering and mathematics while also exploring the history and culture of Mexico's architectural monuments. Further discussion about how the museum has engaged members of the Hispanic community and how to expand upon this important partnership was a central focus of the visit.
"DuPage Children's Museum has done a phenomenal job of weaving Mexican history and culture into an exhibit experience that both excites and engages children. I encourage families to visit such an amazing exhibit," Rodriguez said.
Housed in the museum's Creativity Connections Neighborhood, "Monumental" introduces young visitors to the scale, beauty and engineering of Mayan architecture through specific exhibit components and learning opportunities. Children can accomplish large-scale building construction using foam blocks to re-create the famous pyramids at Chichen Itza. Additionally, the historical attributes of Mexican heritage are brought to life with costumes and props for opportunities in dramatic play.
LED lights used within the exhibit help children investigate how the sun's light impacts the appearance of large buildings. The exhibit offers a number of opportunities for children to explore architecture while becoming familiar with Mexican history and culture.
While the introducing ancient architecture is a new concept for DCM, cultural diversity is not. The museum draws families from ethnically diverse communities in DuPage County and beyond. The museum's safe, inviting exhibits and programs are fully accessible to children and adults with varied interests, abilities and learning styles, and are tailored to meet the needs of the diverse population.
In addition to offering bilingual directional signs and information, the museum's Community Access Network provides translators to help non-English speaking families overcome language barriers while visiting. With more than 25 percent of DCM's attendance composed of visitors from ethnically diverse populations, bilingual services aim to increase meaningful engagement for all children and caregivers.
"'Monumental' is wonderfully aligned with DuPage Children's Museum's interdisciplinary approach to connect the content areas of math, science, and the arts," said Brianne Bromberek, the museum's marketing manager. "It was truly by design that this exhibit also fits our goals of providing a unique learning experience while introducing children to new subject matter, which they may or may not be familiar with - in this case the introduction of two historic cultures through the architecture and engineering of their monumental spaces."
Rodriguez attended the exhibit opening in November along with several other prominent members of the Hispanic community, including Katrina Garcia, executive director for Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Jesus Sanchez, Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board president; Claudia Urrutia, a member of Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Carlos Tortolero, president and CEO of National Museum of Mexican Art.
"Monumental" has provided a platform for the museum to explore innovative ways of engaging children of all ages and backgrounds. Designed to travel to other children's museums and cultural institutions, "Monumental" will remain at DCM through the summer.
The exhibit is free with museum admission and is open during regular business hours. For information, visit dupagechildrensmuseum.org.