The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) recently announced the opening of Monkey King: A Story From China, an interactive exhibit that brings the history and culture of China to life through the mischievious hero of the classic Chinese story, The Journey to the West (Xiyouji).

The 1,500 square foot exhibition tells the magical tale of Monkey King, a story that has been passed on from parent to child throughout Chinese history. Based on the famous 7th century pilgrimage of a monk who traveled to India and brought Buddhism back to China. Highlights of the exhibit include flying on clouds to glimpse China’s geography, making mischief with a musical peach tree, testing wits against Bull Demon in a game of transformations, and a very unusual banquet table.

Designed to blend traditional Chinese culture with an understanding of modern China, the exhibition helps adults and children understand and appreciate the complexities of one of the world’s leading countries of the 21st century. The exhibition features interviews from contemporary Chinese adults and children who discuss the meaning of Monkey King in their lives; a Beijing Opera actor demonstrates how he portrays Monkey on stage; and a collection of pop culture objects illustrate how Monkey King permeates modern Chinese culture.

Children will embark on a timeless journey through the story of Monkey King. Each section of the exhibition presents a child with multi-sensory, multi-dimensional, interactive components that teach motor and cognitive skills, and impart relevant and meaningful lessons.

Monkey King: A Story From China
Opens This Saturday, January 28
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
P 212-721-1223 x299
F 212-721-1127
www.cmom.org

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