Media Contacts
Kerri Fox
619 795 1524/
301 404 8921 (cell) kfox@thinkplaycreate.org
Toni Robin
858 483 3918
tr@trprsandiego.com
THE NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM TO OPEN NORTH COUNTY SATELLITE
“Art + Play Space” Opens in Del Mar Plaza in August
SAN DIEGO – August 9, 2021 – The New Children’s Museum has announced the launch of its first stand-alone satellite location in San Diego County. The 2,000-square-foot Art + Play Space will be a smaller version of the Museum’s 50,000-square-foot downtown location, featuring a commissioned art installation, a hands-on makerspace and museum store. Located on the upper level of the Del Mar Plaza shopping center along the coast in North County, the new space is slated to open August 20.
“This is one of the most exciting and ambitious projects The New Children’s Museum has embarked upon,” said Caroline Perry, Chair of the Museum’s Board of Directors. “Opening a satellite location will enable the Museum to amplify its efforts to bring art, creativity and play to more children and families throughout San Diego County.”
Despite the reduced footprint, the North County satellite location will continue the Museum’s focus on contemporary art, which is what sets it apart from other children’s museums. The Art + Play Space will feature a smaller version of the popular installation Wobbleland by San Diego artist Marisol Rendón. A giant kitchen sink with soft larger-than-life fruit and vegetable
sculptures, the commissioned installation introduces young children to art in an immersive and playful manner.
“As supporters of the arts and arts-based organizations, we’re thrilled to welcome The New Children’s Museum,” said Marc and Patty Brutten, Del Mar Plaza owners and longtime supporters of the downtown museum. “Their Art and Play Space will offer a creative experience that will appeal to local residents as well as children and families from all over North County.”
The Art + Play Space will also provide children the opportunity to create their own art, with “drop in” hands-on art making as well as fee-based classes and workshops (starting later this Fall). The Museum also plans to host artist talks, birthday parties, camps and other events in the space.
This is not the Museum’s first foray into having a presence in a shopping mall or retail destination. The Museum originally opened in a La Jolla shopping mall in 1983 and has had
partnerships with malls throughout the County for several years. Of note are its two-year sponsorship of the family lounge at Westfield UTC (2013-2014) and multiple pop-up activations at One Paseo Del Mar and Westfield Plaza Bonita. For the past two years, the Museum has occupied a storefront in Seaport Village, an artist studio called Studio by the Bay, with working artists, pop-up programming and hands-on art instruction.
“We’ve been expanding into the community for many years through outreach, partnerships and activations,” said Kerri Fox, Deputy Director of Marketing and Earned Revenue. “Adding a second location significantly expands our reach and helps us make art and creativity accessible to more people. We’re excited to be able to offer families two options to visit us and look forward to introducing the Museum to new audiences.”
The Art + Play Space at Del Mar Plaza will be open from Thursday to Monday (consistent with the Museum’s downtown location) with open hours from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., mirroring the other shops in the Plaza. It will also feature a smaller version of the downtown Museum store, offering creative, educational and arts-based products. Admission is $10 to enter and play in the space, with free admission for Museum members.
Ribbon Cutting and Media Preview
Date: August 20,2021
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Art + Play Space in Del Mar Plaza, 1555 Camino Del Mar, Suite 310 (Upper Level) RSVP: delmarplaza@thinkplaycreate.org
ABOUT THE NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The New Children’s Museum is a new model of children’s museum whose mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art. Located downtown, the Museum collaborates with contemporary artists to design and create art installations and educational programs for children. The Museum brings families together in a rich educational environment that fosters creativity — blending the best elements of children’s museums, contemporary art museums and community resources. To learn more, visit thinkplaycreate.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
ABOUT DEL MAR PLAZA
Located in the beautiful coastal village of Del Mar, California, Del Mar Plaza is an open-air shopping and entertainment destination. Featuring a mix of unique retailers, ocean-view restaurants, and top of the line services, Del Mar Plaza draws locals and tourists from all over the country and the world. With ironwork and tiled fountains, cobblestone laid pathways, and ocean views, Del Mar Plaza features an atmosphere reminiscent of a European marketplace. For more information, visit www.delmarplaza.com.
ABOUT BRIXTON CAPITAL
Brixton Capital is a preeminent private real estate investment firm that seeks to generate outstanding risk-adjusted returns by unlocking embedded value in commercial real estate transactions spanning all property types. Headquartered in Solana Beach, CA, Brixton is led by a team of seasoned real commercial real estate experts with an average of more than 25 years of experience. For more information, please visit www.brixtoncapital.com
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