This museum in central Mumbai opened in November 2023 after six years of youth-led prototyping. The MuSo team was responsible for the design, together with some private museum consultant companies and a kids’ advisory board comprising 20 pupils in the age group 12-16 from five public and private schools across the city, who joined the design process in 2020. Their feedback has been incorporated into the design and content of the exhibitions.
The building spans 9,300 m² on 10 floors, six of which are open to the public. It is run by a private non-profit foundation with several private sponsors who finance the running costs. The museum space is organised as a series of zones or labs, accessible to children aged two and above. The stated mission of the museum is ‘to inspire, enable and empower children to make meaningful change in the world, together, today’. This purpose is further defined by three main pillars or guiding principles – boldly child-led; rooted to reality; and radically inclusive.
It is the museum’s philosophy that children are active agents of change. Children are potentially able to improve the conditions of everyday life and society. The Museum of Solutions covers a variety of topics related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, climate change and sustainable development. These topics are presented through hands-on stations, workshop areas, play zones, discovery labs and a discovery room.
Cognitive, social and emotional development is considered in many ways, engaging as many senses as possible and paying attention to different learning styles. A programme supporting children from underprivileged areas of the city provides transport, free entrance and food, and has involved c.4,000 children so far. The museum makes a concerted effort to recruit and hire a diverse and inclusive staff.
The judges’ comment
The different zones on each floor address issues and ideas that are contemporary, bold and emotional. MuSo is not just about exhibits, it is about unlocking the potential within every child to change the world, using exhibitions, educational activities and public programmes to promote learning, enjoyment, reflection, creativity and knowledge. MuSo asks kids to put their ideas into practice, to make projects, finding strategies and solutions, and to realise them.