A History of Serving Our City’s Children

In 1974, the Children’s Museum of Inquiry and Discovery was founded as one of the first nine children’s museums in the country. Five years later, the Museum was renamed Capital Children’s Museum and opened its famed H Street location. In 2003, the Museum gained congressional designation, becoming the National Children’s Museum and eventually finding its way to its current home on Pennsylvania Avenue in 2020. No matter the name and location, the mission has remained the same: inspire children to care about and change the world.

What Do You Remember?

Did you ever visit the Capital Children’s Museum? You may recall the immersive Mexico exhibit where you could make tortillas or yarn art in a replica Mexican town? Did you make gigantic bubbles in our Bubble Room, or slide down a fire pole in The City Room? Maybe you created your first stop-motion film in our Animation Lab! If any of these memories ring true, you’re officially part of the Museum’s history. As the National Children’s Museum, their institution continues to bring playful, creative, and innovative educational experiences to children in Washington.

Celebrating Five Decades of Dreams

There are two wonderful anniversary experiences ready for visitors. Take a walk down memory lane in Decades of Dreams, our newest installation that honors the history of the Museum at every stage. Full of throwback photos and whimsical milestones, the installation provides context to the journey of the National Children’s Museum and helps young Dreamers and their caregivers connect over shared community, culture, and curiosity. You can even write a note to your future self and put it in our dream mailbox!

Then, embark on a vibrant journey in Placita Mágica, a reimagining of the aforementioned Mexico exhibit. This magical plaza immerses you in the richness of Mexican heritage. Including traditional decorations, architecture, and cityscape silhouettes of Guanajuato and Taxco. Five interactive experiences explore STEAM concepts with elements of social-emotional development.

Channel your inner child while empowering the next generation at our Dreamers Gala. This unforgettable evening honors the Museum’s past, celebrates its present, and fuels its future. Bringing together individuals and corporate sponsors, public officials, and prominent figures in Washington’s business and cultural scenes.