Explore the power of love and forgiveness through interactive experiences in the Museum’s newest featured exhibit
Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s first featured exhibit of the new year, “XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness,” will open on Jan. 25. Visitors will share, listen, connect, ask and learn about feelings and emotions. Through facial expressions, words, movement, art making and other hands-on activities, “XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness” provides children and caregivers the opportunity to think about and explore feelings through a variety of activities designed to help them understand, appreciate and express their emotions. Created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh with support from The Fetzer Institute and sponsored locally by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, this winter exhibit runs through May 4, 2025.
“It’s a priority for us to provide a space that teaches kids the power of connection and empathy,” said Edwin Link, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. “As families explore the exhibit, they will experience many moments of joy and adults will find opportunities for conversations that help their children understand their feelings and recognize how important love and forgiveness can be.”
The exhibit allows guests to explore how we connect with others. Key elements include:
- Holding Hands – hold hands to illuminate a hidden message about love.
- Reflection Table – manipulate materials to uncover soothing sounds, promoting mindfulness
- Empathy Blocks – wooden blocks featuring diverse facial features allow children to create expressions, enhancing their understanding of emotions
- Story Puzzle – a collaborative puzzle uses words and symbols to tell stories, encouraging conversations about love and forgiveness, ultimately, helping kids recognize emotions in themselves and others
- Release the Negative – encourages kids to write or draw negative feelings and shred them to symbolize the release of emotions
- Response Wall – a space to share thoughts on love and forgiveness by responding to various prompts
- Silhouettes – a creative station where children trace and compare profiles, highlighting individual uniqueness and similarities
- Phone Booths – private booths equipped with telephones for kids to learn the importance of communication
- Tone Phones – interactive display that visualizes how different tones of voice can affect communication and understanding
Annual Memberships to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta provide the best value and can be purchased online, in person and over the phone – providing families the gift of play and education through interactive, hands-on learning experiences all year long. Annual members receive unlimited, FREE timed entry for one year; 10% off general admission for accompanying guests; discounted admission to select ticketed museum events; discounts to museum store purchases, virtual programs and parties; and invitations to members-only exhibit sneak previews.
