Want to take the kids to a really cool play area again but need some new ideas? From a special swinging experience in a magical forest of lights to a free farm for children, teens, and families offering pottery and arts-and-crafts activities, right up to exciting nature adventures—there’s plenty to discover in Berlin and the surrounding area. One place you definitely shouldn’t miss is ANOHA—the children’s world at the Jewish Museum Berlin. This extraordinary interactive space is designed primarily for children in preschool and elementary school and invites them to explore, experiment, and get creative through play.
A visit is particularly suitable for children between about three and ten years old. The children’s world is located in the former wholesale flower market hall across from the Jewish Museum Berlin and spans approximately 2,700 square meters. ANOHA opened on June 27, 2021. Themed around the story of Noah’s Ark from the Torah, ANOHA’s content revolves entirely around this narrative. However, it is not exclusively about the biblical story. The exhibition also explores topics such as living together, diversity, sustainability, and the relationship between humans, animals, and nature in a playful way.
At the heart of ANOHA is a huge, round wooden ark designed by the U.S. architectural firm Olson Kundig. Around and on the ark are more than 150 individually designed animal sculptures created by various artists. The animals aren’t just there to be looked at. Children can interact with them and explore different situations through play. For example, they can bring a polar bear aboard the ark or help an orangutan carry smaller animals. At the same time, they can learn about the different animals, make up their own stories, and explore the various areas of the exhibition on their own.
ANOHA combines exploration, experimentation, free play, and collaborative storytelling . Another highlight is a 14-meter-long water test track where children can try out small boats or arks. Since a little water might end up spilling here and there, ANOHA recommends bringing a change of clothes just in case.
ANOHA is less of a traditional museum where children simply look at exhibits and more of an interactive children’s world where they can get hands-on. In a sense, the children become part of the story and can explore and experiment in the various areas on their own.
An important note regarding bookings: There is currently a 3-euro booking fee per shopping cart when reserving a time-slot ticket. The fee is not charged per person; for example, even for a family with two adults and two children, the total fee is only 3 euros. However, those who pick up tickets directly at the museum ticket office can visit ANOHA for free. A limited number of free remaining tickets are available there. During peak times, however, there is no guarantee that tickets will still be available on-site.
