Hellenic Children's Museum

The Hellenic Children’s Museum, located in the lively neighborhood of Plaka in Athens, represents a unique and pioneering institution in the Greek educational and cultural landscape. Founded in 1987 by a group of young professionals led by Sophia Roque-Mela, the museum aims to promote the holistic development of children, helping them become aware and respectful citizens of their own individuality and social diversity. The museum covers an area of 600 square meters inside the neoclassical building of the Athens Conservatory. This welcoming and safe space is dedicated to children aged 0 to 12, their families, and educators. The exhibitions and interactive activities are designed to stimulate children’s curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, offering learning experiences through play. The museum stands out for the variety of its exhibitions, covering a wide range of scientific, technological, environmental, artistic, and social themes. Among the most popular permanent exhibitions are “Hello Pythagoras!”, which introduces children to geometry concepts in a playful way, and “The Kitchen”, where young visitors can experiment with ingredients and recipes, learning the basic principles of nutrition. Another significant exhibition is “The Us and the Them”, which explores the theme of diversity and inclusion, helping children understand and respect cultural and social differences. A distinctive element of the museum is the pedagogical approach based on the motto “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand”. This principle guides all the activities and exhibitions of the museum, aiming to provide practical and engaging experiences to facilitate learning. For example, in the exhibition “I build and I create”, children can use building materials to create different structures, while in the “Bubbles” section, they learn the scientific principles behind the formation of soap bubbles through practical experiments. The success and impact of the Hellenic Children’s Museum are evidenced by its growing popularity and the enthusiasm of visitors. Families and educators appreciate the museum’s innovative and interactive approach, making learning a fun and engaging experience for children. The combination of stimulating exhibitions, hands-on activities, and a welcoming environment makes the Hellenic Children’s Museum a unique place in Greece and a model for other similar institutions internationally.