Brooklyn Children’s Museum Hosts Colorful Holi Celebration in May

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosted its annual Holi celebration on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The event, called “Celebrate Holi,” has become a popular tradition at the museum, attracting families from across the tri-state area. It is organized in partnership with Ajna Dance Company and The Culture Tree, and is designed to introduce children and families to the customs and meaning of Holi, the Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal.

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, founded in 1899, is recognized as the world’s first children’s museum. Located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the museum welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually and features over 100,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. Its galleries focus on visual arts, music, performance, natural science, and world cultures. The museum underwent a major renovation in 2008, doubling its size and becoming the first “green” museum in New York City. BCM offers a variety of educational and cultural programs throughout the year, including art workshops, science demonstrations, and celebrations of global traditions.

The 2025 Holi event was held in three timed sessions throughout the day, with activities taking place both inside the museum and in nearby Brower Park. Each session included Bollywood dance performances by Ajna Dance Company, storytime and cooking demonstrations with The Culture Tree, puppet shows, and art-making workshops. The highlight of the event was the color powder celebration in the park, where families were encouraged to wear white clothing to fully experience the vibrant colors of Holi.

In addition to Holi, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum regularly hosts a variety of cultural events, such as celebrations for Lunar New Year and AAPI Month. The annual Holi festival is one example of how the museum promotes cultural awareness and community engagement through interactive and educational experiences.