New 'Superpowered Metropolis' Exhibit Will Delight at Children's Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s new mind-stretching, interactive exhibit Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City™, which opened Feb. 14, encourages kids ages 1-6 to expand their executive functioning skills. Children are the heroes in a playful, 1,500-foot comic book version of New York City (the Metropolis) in which three genius pigeon mascots (Zip, Zap, and Zoom) help them improve their self-control, mental flexibility, and working memory (their superpowers).

The Superpowered Metropolis Exhibit

The Metropolis has eight stationary interactive installations, including Baby Grand Central Station, a mini learning hub for ages 2 and younger, which has climb-on trains, a starry sky, and sensory stations. The two-story Treehouse Headquarters is equipped with a map, telescope, periscope, and slide—and an amazing view! The Supercharged NYC Train Table is a colorful, multi-level representation of the NYC transportation system including tracks, tunnels, and waterways.

In the Musical Subway Car, handmade musical instruments mimic the sounds of the subways. Colorful flute-shaped tubes whisk scarves through the air at the Whimsical Wind Blowing Fountain, and the Brain Building Games Station features three games, that NYU’s Create Lab designed to train kids’ inhibition, mental flexibility, and memory.

Who Are Zip, Zap, and Zoom?

The friendly pigeon mascots who guide kids through this experience of learning are Zip, Zap, and Zoom. Zip is a calm coach who encourages “power pauses” or self-restraint, following directions, and taking turns. Zap is a witty thinker who is always at the ready and skillfully organizes and sorts information. Zoom is a curious inventor who can creatively solve problems.