The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will open “Wegmans Wonderplace” Dec. 9 as the first exhibition on the National Mall designed for the learning needs of children 6 and under. Made possible by a $1.5 million gift and in-kind donations from Wegmans Food Markets, this space will allow curious kids to “cook” in a kitchen inspired by Julia Child’s; plant and harvest pretend vegetables and run the farm stand; find the owls hiding in a miniature replica of the Smithsonian’s Castle building; and captain a tugboat based on a model in the museum’s collection. “Wonderplace,” a 1,700-square-foot children’s center located in the new Innovation Wing, will provide the youngest historians with age-appropriate activities and experiences over the next 20 years. “We know that play is an integral part of sparking invention and innovation, and ‘Wegmans Wonderplace’ will

Read More: Wegmans gives $1.5 million to support new Early Childhood Learning Space at the Smithsonian