Ah, they grow up so fast. The New Children’s Museum (NCM) in downtown San Diego is about to unveil a major expansion: an additional 8,600 sqft of gallery, classroom, and studio space to “think, play, and create.”

Let’s take a quick tour, shall we?

"Artopia"

The expansion’s pièce de résistance is “Artopia: NCM Creative Studios,” a renovated art studio that will host hands-on workshops and artist-led activities that explore mediums like paint, textiles, ceramics, and more. Peep the calendar.

The new space on the third level can accommodate ~200 guests (from toddlers to adults), which is much more than the prior studio space.

Pro tip: Artopia’s grand opening is this Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — just buy a general admission ticket and enjoy art-making stations, sensory activities, and a first look at the new space.

Artopia includes a full pottery studio. | Photo via The New Children's Museum

Droppin' knowledge
The museum also has a new Education Commons — a hub for learning that will host workshops, early childhood programs, school programs, and teacher events. It's located just off Artopia, where offices used to be.

NCM's new Education Commons area will host programming for kids. | Photo via The New Children's Museum

The more you know
Did you know? According to NCM, 1,800+ people visit the museum daily. While you’re there, explore the colorful art installations, including:

“Disco Rainbow Cave” | A disco-themed space for toddlers up to age 3.
“Whammock!” | Artist Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam’s 3D textile environment features spaces to run, slide, and bounce while engaging a child’s sight, movement, and balance.
“Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures” | An exhibit inspired by the late Southern California science fiction author and shaped by the community.
“Miraj” | Say something into the mic and watch it come to life within seconds at this installation by the artist collective, SOSO.

NCM is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.