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Exhibit to Increase Understanding Among Children and Families of the Richness and Diversity of Muslim Culture

NEW YORK, NY, August 10, 2011 – The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) announced today it received a planning grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for Muslim Worlds, a major new exhibition that will expand Americans’ knowledge of the diversity of Muslim culture.  The new exhibition and an accompanying series of educational programs will combine extensive scholarly and pedagogical research.  Muslim Worlds will include hands-on activities, as well as examples of art, architecture, classic literature and everyday objects to bring to life the similarities and differences of Muslim cultures throughout with world.

With a tentative opening date of 2014, Muslim Worlds will be the first exhibit of its kind to explore the breadth and depth of Muslim cultures worldwide for a family audience in the United States.

“Given that today’s world is smaller, more diverse and more interconnected than that of previous generations, children will encounter people throughout their lives whose culture is very different from their own.  As a child’s attitudes and impressions of those from differing backgrounds are formed early in life, it is important to teach young children to understand and appreciate cultural differences,” said Andrew Ackerman, executive director of CMOM.  “In Muslim Worlds, children and their parents will explore the rich diversity of Muslim culture – the culture of a vast percentage of the world’s people.”

Muslim Worlds will be the third in a series of cultural exhibitions developed and presented by CMOM, utilizing its expertise in translating complex topics for family audiences. The exhibit will be developed with the same rigor as the Museum’s two previous cultural exhibitions – Monkey King: A Journey to China and Gods, Myths and Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece.

Muslim Worlds will also build upon CMOM’s arts programs in which leading cultural institutions and groups from across the New York City conduct workshops and performances, featuring traditions from Muslim countries.  Such programming includes dance performances and arts-based activities about traditional mosaics, calligraphy and architecture.

In planning for the exhibition, CMOM will engage an Advisory Committee comprised of educators, scholars, and community leaders to explore exhibit concepts, review research and make content recommendations.

In 2010, with funding from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art and the Museum’s Board of Directors, CMOM initiated a pre-planning phase for Muslim Worlds.  This phase consisted of a preliminary needs assessment and engagement with leaders from the Muslim community, as well as scholars and educators from the Asia Society, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard University, Columbia University and the Open Society, among others.

About The National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.

About Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Founded in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is New York City’s leading cultural institution dedicated solely to children and families.  CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions.  CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages.  Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds.  For details on all of CMOM’s programs, please visit www.cmom.org.