Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

As we approach the inspiring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) invites families and children to join a weekend filled with educational and creative activities from January 13 to 15 and every Saturday and Sunday throughout January. This special event aims to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King while exploring his powerful concept of the “Beloved Community.”

Engaging in Dr. King’s Vision

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a “Beloved Community”—a global vision rooted in justice, inclusiveness, equal opportunity, and compassion for others. CMOM’s celebration of Dr. King’s Day weekend provides a unique opportunity for families to delve into this concept through purposeful design and visionary art-making. Each weekend in January will explore a different theme inspired by Dr. King’s vision.

Activities for All Ages

1. Building a Beloved Community Mural

When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 1st Floor
What: Contribute to a massive and evolving community mural by writing, drawing, coloring, and collaging onto a rainbow of sticky notes.

2. Mighty Community Art Installation

When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 1st Floor
What: Inspired by Dr. King’s vision, use boxes, paint markers, and collage to design a neighborhood filled with the workers and resources it needs to thrive.

3. CMOM’s I Have a Dream Community Wreath

When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 11 am & 2 pm
Where: 3rd Floor
What: Trace your hands, write your dream or hope for your community, and watch CMOM’s I Have a Dream Community Wreath grow larger throughout the week.

4. Interactive Storytime: Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Kid’s Book About Advancing Civil Rights With Nonviolence

When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 4 pm
Where: 3rd Floor
What: Join an engaging read-aloud introducing kids to the Civil Rights movement and the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

5. Honored in Portrait

When: Saturday & Sunday, January 20 & 21 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 1st Floor
What: Explore paintings of Black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and others. Express your vision of peace and respect in a painting of an influential leader.

6. Community Helpers

When: Saturday & Sunday, January 20 & 21 | 11 am & 2 pm
Where: 3rd Floor
What: Collage, doodle, and paste your favorite community job uniforms onto a mini version of yourself on a spinning cup, exploring the many ways people in the neighborhood help the community thrive.

7. Pledge for the Future: Comic Book Creations

When: Saturday & Sunday, January 27 & 28 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 1st Floor
What: Create a comic book character inspired by the work of science fiction author Octavia Butler, sharing your vision and pledge for a better future.

8. Healing Homes and Habitats

When: Saturday & Sunday, January 27 & 28 | 11 am & 2 pm
Where: 3rd Floor
What: Draw, design, and build a solution to an issue important to you, inspired by the designs of architects like Paul Revere Williams and Norma Merrick Sklarek.

Join the Celebration

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan invites families and children of all ages to be part of this special celebration. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit CMOM’s Programs. Celebrate the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interactive and educational activities that foster a sense of community, compassion, and creativity.