MISSION
Discovering the joys of learning, play and community...

Our mission is to build upon a child's natural sense of joy and discovery by cultivating habits of inquiry in the arts, sciences, and humanities. The museum's informal learning environment fosters interactions among children and families, and encourages active participation in the learning process through interactive exhibitions and programs. As an educational institution, we provide leadership on issues concerning children. Through its exhibits, programs, staffing, and governance, the museum recognizes and reflects our community's economic, ethnic, and cultural diversity. The Santa Fe Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

VALUES
Among the many types of museums in the world today, children's museums stand alone in providing an environment distinctly different from other institutions. The Santa Fe Children's Museum is based on a simple idea: children learn by doing. As a compliment to classroom education, this museum provides an informal environment for children to use their hands and minds together. As a site for family outings, children and parents are brought together in the spirit of challenging play.

Indeed, the Santa Fe Children's Museum is all about discovery! Given the fact that children are growing up in a world whose future cannot possibly be anticipated or defined, the museum staff believe that they must give children the opportunity to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity that will always be with them. Basic to the museum philosophy is the conviction that children learn best when they can be self-motivated, have fun, and experience the enjoyment of seeking and searching for answers to the questions they formulate for themselves.

To that end we have created a place of warmth and color, a learning laboratory whose exhibits and programs are designed to cultivate habits of inquiry that will last a lifetime.