NYC's Children’s Museum ‘surprise blockbuster’: A show on Islam

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Janet Morrissey

Visitors hearing the sounds of instruments from around the globe in the courtyard section of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan exhibition “America to Zanzibar: Muslim cultures Near and Far.” Credit George Etheredge for The New York Times

NEW YORK---As terrorism fears have mounted and tensions have escalated toward Muslims in the United States in recent years, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is doing its part to help defuse the rising anxiety. Its exhibition “America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far” showcases the history, art and traditions of Muslims, with the belief that education will beat back ignorance and hate every time. The show has been so popular since its opening in February 2016 that its run has been extended another year, and plans are underway to take it on a nationwide tour in 2018. The show is divided into five areas, where a combination of ancient artifacts, art displays, music and hands-on props take young people on a journey through Muslim cultures in more than 50 countries, from ancient history to the present. [link]