The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is offering patrons a chance to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Peru without ever having to board a plane. The museum recently launched the "Take Me There: Peru" exhibit, promising an engaging educational experience that spans the diverse Peruvian landscapes—from the urban coastlines to the expanse of the rainforest and the high reaches of the mountainous regions.
According to WISH-TV, Stephanie Eddleman, senior exhibit developer, emphasized the immersive quality of the exhibit: "We really wanted to immerse visitors. So, you know, the trees, the look, the sounds, the lighting back here changes." This dynamic approach to exhibiting is engineered to give visitors a sense of being in Peru themselves. One of the notable highlights, aside from the environmental recreations, is the focus on the nation's culinary offerings. "We’re featuring some traditional Peruvian dishes here, like ceviche, Lomo Saltado — a Peruvian stir fry. And the awesome part is that we also have a local Peruvian restaurant, Pico Mar, and they let us film some footage at the restaurant, which you see behind us here, of them making some of these dishes. So you can try Peruvian food, real Peruvian food, right here in Indianapolis," Eddleman told.
FOX59 further details the exhibit's features, including interactive elements such as caring for alpacas and llamas, learning about Peruvian instruments, and meeting cultural ambassadors who help weave the narrative of Peru's social and historical fabric. Guests can start their journey with a simulated "flight" from Indianapolis to Peru, immediately landing them in a world crafted to educate and inspire cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
The museum used social media to rev up interest in the new exhibit, announcing it's opening with a virtual boarding call: "Get ready to take a flight!✈️ Take Me There: Peru is now officially OPEN! Get your tickets today," according to a post from The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Facebook page. The experience is made possible thanks to the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., with support from Republic Airways and F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company, Inc.
"I think my favorite part was just meeting all of the people. Everyone in Peru was so warm, so welcoming. They wanted to help us with the project. Just meeting those people, making connections and being able to welcome some of them here today to see the exhibit was just really special," Eddleman reflected in her interview with WISH-TV. This personal touch, seamlessly blends with the overall goal of "Take Me There: Peru"—to present a microcosm of Peruvian culture and to spark an interest in the global community among younger generations. The exhibit is now open for visitors yearning for an adventure into the heart, and the stomach, of Peru.
