As a family, we love to travel and explore new places. We recently took a city break to Berlin and stumbled upon a hidden gem: ANOHA, the Children’s World of the Jewish Museum Berlin. Our visit to ANOHA was the highlight of our trip, and I can confidently say that this is one of the most unique children’s museums we have ever visited. In this blog post, I will share our experience at ANOHA and why I recommend it to any family visiting Berlin.
ANOHA: The Concept and Design
ANOHA is a children’s museum designed for children aged 3 to 10. The museum’s concept is based on the story of Noah’s Ark, and the exhibits are designed to take children on a journey through a world of animals, nature, and imagination. Olson Kundig’s design is breathtaking, and every detail is well thought out to create a magical experience for children. ANOHA is inspired by the pioneering vision of Noah’s Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. You feel like you have entered a different world from the moment you enter. The colours, textures, and sounds are designed to stimulate children’s senses and stimulate their imagination.
The Exhibits
The exhibits at ANOHA are interactive and engaging. Children can save a giant turtle from a fishing net, slide down a giraffe, and crawl through an anaconda tunnel. There is also a large Noah’s Ark model where children can play and learn about the story of Noah. The exhibits are not only fun, but they also promote learning and development. Children can learn about animals, nature, and the importance of caring for our planet. What an incredible way to communicate such an important message.
Our Experience at ANOHA
We arrived at ANOHA early in the morning and were greeted by friendly staff who explained how the museum worked. The staff spoke German and English, which was helpful for us as we do not speak German. The museum is FREE, but you must book a time slot beforehand. We booked our slot online, and it was easy and straightforward. We were also impressed with the security screen similar to the airport, which gave us peace of mind that our little ones were safe.
The Journey through ANOHA
As we entered ANOHA, we were amazed by the design and attention to detail. There are six exhibition areas:
- Rain and Flood Room
- Workbench and Float Testing Basin
- All Aboard
- Diversity and Life on the Ark
- At the Ark’s Centre: Tell A Story of a Better World!
- Children’s Exhibition Area: Arrival and New Beginnings in a New World
One of the highlights of our visit was the rain and flood room. The boys thoroughly enjoyed jumping through the puddles and splashing in the water basin before we headed to the ark. The boys were immediately drawn to the giant mammoth, and we spent some time climbing on it and exploring its nooks and crannies. We then moved on to the elephant wagging its ears, which was a hit with both boys. We spent some time crawling through the anaconda tunnel, and the boys loved the sensory experience of the different textures.
We then made our way to the Noah’s Ark model, where the boys were fascinated by the different animals and the story of Noah. They loved playing with the animals and learning about how Noah cared for them during the flood. We spent a good hour in this section alone, and the boys did not want to leave.
The Staff and Facilities
The staff at ANOHA were fantastic. They were friendly, helpful, and engaged with the boys. They explained the exhibits and encouraged the boys to explore and learn. The facilities were clean and well-maintained, which makes shoes as children must wear socks and shoe covers are provided for adults, and there were plenty of areas for children to play and explore. There is also a café on site, which serves drinks and snacks.
Why ANOHA is a Must-Visit in Berlin
Educational and Fun
ANOHA is not only fun, but it is also educational. The exhibits are designed to promote learning and development in children. Children learn about animals, nature, and the importance of caring for our planet. The exhibits are interactive, and children are encouraged to explore and learn through play. ANOHA is an excellent place for children to learn and have fun at the same time.
FREE of Charge
Another reason why ANOHA is a must-visit in Berlin is that it is FREE. Many museums and attractions in Berlin charge an entrance fee, but ANOHA is entirely free of charge. This makes it an excellent option for families on a budget or those who want to save money during their trip to Berlin.
Suitable for Young Children
ANOHA is designed for children aged 3 to 10, making it an excellent option for families with young children. I appreciate that finding city breaks suitable for under 5s can be tasking. The exhibits are designed to be safe and suitable for young children, and there are plenty of areas for children to play and explore. The staff is also trained to interact with young children and create a fun and engaging experience.
In conclusion, ANOHA is a must-visit for any family visiting Berlin. It is a unique and magical children’s museum that promotes learning and development in children. The design and attention to detail are impressive, and the staff is friendly and engaging. The fact that ANOHA is FREE of charge makes it an excellent option for families on a budget. We spent three hours at ANOHA and could have easily stayed longer. It was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip, and we highly recommend it to any family visiting Berlin.
I have some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- First things first, be sure to book your ticket online ahead of time. Tickets can sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. You can book up to 60 days in advance, so plan ahead.
- One thing to remember is that shoes and bare feet aren’t allowed inside ANOHA. So, bring along some non-slip socks for your children, or borrow a pair when you get there.
- Speaking of getting wet, your little one is bound to splash around in the water basin, so pack a change of clothes or an apron just in case.
- As for the play area, it’s still in its testing phase, so be sure to keep a close eye on your child. Some areas can be slippery, and the slide can be pretty steep and fast, so it’s best to supervise your child at all times.
- Before you go, be sure to bring along €2 for the locker, which you’ll get back once you’re finished with it.
- Also, keep in mind that ANOHA is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for another day.
Hope these tips help, and have a wonderful time at ANOHA with your little ones!
