Celebrate Kwanzaa with the Children's Museum of Manhattan!

Come celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM), from Tuesday, December 26 - Thursday, December 28! Every year families and communities come together to honor their ancestors and celebrate African and African American culture. For more information, please visit https://cmom.org/cmom-programs/.

Kuumba Drum Making

Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way. Celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, and storytelling. Honor the principle of kuumba (creativity) this Kwanza as you create a drum to play for your family.

Tuesday – Thursday, December 26 – 28 - 3 pm – 4 pm - Ages 5 & under - 3rd Floor

Adinkra Unity Mural Wall

The first principle of Kwanzaa, Umoja, reminds us that we are stronger when we come together. The second principle, Kujichagulia, encourages us to stay determined even when trying something new. Join us as we come together to stamp Adinkra symbols on our evolving unity mural wall.

Tuesday – Thursday, December 26 – 28 - 11 am – 12:30 pm - Ages 5 & under - 3rd Floor

Design for Change

The Kwanzaa principle of Ujima reminds us to help each other to solve important issues. Ujamaa encourages us to create things that help people in our community. Inspired by these two important Kwanzaa principles, design creative solutions to real-life challenges and develop ideas to help make our world a better place.

Tuesday, December 27 - 10 am – 4:45 pm - Ages 5 & up - 1st Floor

*Programs subject to change

Public Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation and The Nissan Foundation.

Children's Museum of Manhattan

The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a steward of early childhood, helping all children grow and develop into their best selves. Through our programs on-site, online, and around the five boroughs, CMOM nurtures the next generation of creative global citizens as they learn through exploration and play. CMOM encourages empathy across difference by elevating and providing insight into diverse perspectives and inviting visitors of all backgrounds to join our intentionally welcoming community and create and learn alongside each other. The museum’s program reflects the rich cultural diversity, energy, and resilience of New York City itself and has a special focus on ensuring that its program is available to those families who might not otherwise have access.

Founded in 1973 as a neighborhood organization, CMOM has grown over the years into a beloved destination and resource for children, families, and educators from across the five boroughs and from around the world. The museum welcomes 350,000 visitors each year to its Upper West Side location and engages hundreds of thousands more through its outreach programs in partnership with schools, libraries, shelters, and Head Start centers throughout New York City; its touring exhibitions; and its online tools and curricula.