FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is Home?

Home, a modular (different exhibit units) exhibit of the Freeman Foundation Asian Culture Exhibit Series (FFACES) in partnership with the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), is designed to bring children and families together to examine the insides and outsides of Chinese, Japanese, and Hmong homes. Basically, miniature homes that children and families can climb into, play with, and explore!

• What is inside each exhibit? 

With a focus on cooking and food, gardening, and/or play in each culture, children can pretend to water and grow plants on a Beijing balcony garden, cross over a koi pond, create origami, design a story cloth, or BBQ for a Hmong festival in this immersive display of three unique Asian homes.

• Who are ACM & the Freeman Foundation?

ACM stands for the Association of Children’s Museums, the foremost professional society supporting children’s museums in developing rich environments that stimulate children’s natural playfulness, curiosity, and creativity. With more than 470 members in all 50 states and in 19 countries. 

Did you know Santa Fe Children’s Museum is a member of ACM? In fact, if you become a member of SFCM, you can use your membership at other Museums across the US and beyond and receive 50% off admission. A great perk of being a member of SFCM!

The Freeman Foundation was established in 1993 by Mansfield Freeman. This private foundation is committed to increasing and strengthening the understanding of nations in East Asia. Over the past twenty years, the Freeman Foundation has made a major investment to help children learn about and understand East Asian cultures.

• What are the different exhibits?

China:

• Main Home Structure
• Chopsticks Table
• Puppet Theater
• Wu Zi Qi Game https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gomoku 

Japan:

• Main Home Structure
• Bridge
• Puppet Theater
• Origami Table
• Daruma Blocks Game https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/23871/daruma-otoshi 

Hmong:

• Main Home Structure
• Grill Table
• Rice Harvest 

• Where is Hmong?

The modern Hmong reside mainly in Southwest China ( Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guangxi) and countries in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.

• How do you pronounce Hmong?

The “H” is silent. Sounds like “muhng“.

• What will my child learn about from this exhibit?

Children will learn about East Asian cultures and histories, particularly in relation to the home, both the interior traditions, including cooking techniques and games, and the exterior, including gardening and growing of produce. This exhibit focuses on Japan, China and the Hmong region.

• Is Home appropriate for all ages?

Home is family friendly, and will help foster play and learning together. And, just like the Children’s Museum, the exhibits are geared toward a 0-8 years.

• Is there an additional fee to access this exhibit?

No, this exhibit is included with museum admission!

• Are there any special programs or events related to this exhibit?

There will be a members only opening preview on Thursday September 21st at 8AM-10AM featuring botan rice candy from Bubble King and two performances by Santa Fe Wadaiko from Smokin’ Bachi Taiko, Inc. 

Our regular programs, Wee Wednesday, Seeds and Sprouts, Fine Art Friday and Science Saturday will incorporate activities, educational materials and information from these cultures.

• How long will this exhibit be featured at Santa Fe Children’s Museum? Is this a permanent exhibit?

We will host this exhibit for at least six months, and maybe longer. Although not a permanent installation, we have some flexibility to host the exhibit longer, if the public is interested.

• Can we purchase items related to this exhibit in your gift shop?

Yes! The gift shop will be stocking special toys and snacks related to this exhibit.

• Can we provide feedback about this exhibit?

Yes we appreciate any feedback which you wish to share. You may do so by emailing children@santafechildrensmuseum.org.