DUBAI: A first of its kind interactive children’s play museum is set to open in Dubai next week. Located in Al Quoz, OliOli is an ‘observe and learn’ playground featuring a range of installations, science labs and a cars gallery.
Spread across 30,000 square feet, the two-storey facility boasts a massive play area that houses eight galleries that follow the STEAM education theme (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths). There are over 40 exhibits inspired by the work of leading educators, artists and development psychologists.
“We wanted to create a fun and interactive place where children would not miss their gadgets,” said a company spokesperson.
Fun laboratories
There is an ‘air gallery’ that lets the young brains experiment with air pressure, vacuum and experience different air currents. Similarly, the water lab allows children to learn about hydraulic pressure and explore the concept of sink and float.
An exclusive installation at OliOli is the Toshi’s Net. The colourful handmade macramé net that spreads across 14 metres was solely created for OliOli by Japanese textile artist Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam.
“The challenging play on the nets introduces growing children to assessing risk, thereby improving their decision making skills,” said the spokesperson.
- Spokesperson, OliOli
The second floor has a ‘creative lab’ where children can design items with the help of their parents. Children can also draw figures and see their drawings come ‘alive’ in 3D.
The Cars and Ramps gallery provides a platform for children to understand the theories of motion and gravity.
“Some kids find it difficult to understand these theories but we hope to make these concepts easier to comprehend,” said the spokesperson.
All installations and experiments are supervised by OliOli ‘imaginators’ who assist kids in the various galleries.
The place is open to children up to 10 years of age. Entry fee: Dh120 for two hours, and Dh30 for each additional hour (half for toddlers and free for those under one). Adults pay a flat fee of Dh40.
For more information visit www.olioli.ae
