Your Italian Summer Getaway Awaits with Ciao Bambini!


May 20, 2025
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New exhibit at HMNS at Sugar Land offers a taste of Italy for families to enjoy

SUGAR LAND, TX — Get ready to say “Ciao!” to an unforgettable cultural journey. The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest, utterly charming exhibit, Ciao Bambini! This delightful and immersive experience promises to transport guests straight to the sun-drenched landscapes and vibrant culture of Italy, all without packing a single suitcase.

Opening May 23, Ciao Bambini! invites visitors to explore the heart and soul of Italy in a way that’s both educational and endlessly fun. Get ready to be whisked away on a captivating adventure that includes plenty of hands-on discovery and playful interaction.

Imagine diving into the art of Italian cooking one moment, and tossing a coin into a whimsical wishing fountain the next. Ciao Bambini! masterfully weaves together iconic Italian scenes, allowing young explorers to draw fascinating parallels between their own lives and the experiences of children in Italy. This isn’t just about looking; it’s about truly understanding and appreciating the similarities and differences that connect us all across the globe.

“The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is committed to bringing engaging and educational experiences to the community, and Ciao Bambini! perfectly embodies this mission,” said Kavita Self, Executive Director of HMNS at Sugar Land. “We invite everyone to come and experience the magic of Italy right here in Sugar Land!”

Prepare to be enchanted by the exhibit’s wonderfully themed areas, each offering a unique glimpse into Italian life:

  • Ristorante: Young chefs can roll up their sleeves and learn about the art of Italian cooking as they craft culinary creations.
  • Gelateria and Bar Pasticceria: Serve up treats at the gelateria (Gelato Shop) and Bar Pasticceria (Pastry Shop), all while experiencing the sweet side of Italian culture.
  • Traditional Italian Home: Step into a charming Italian home and learn the art of pasta-making, a skill passed down through generations. Plus, unleash your inner artist and create a mosaic masterpiece, exploring the legacy of famous Italian artists.
  • Scuola Elementare: Step inside an elementary school and make an Italian flag, learn basic Italian phrases, roman numerals and discover why the city of Rome is like a delicious lasagna.
  • Piazza: Make a wish to visit Italy as you toss a coin into our wishing fountain, assemble columns like an archaeologist, and experience Italian transportation in style on a bright red Vespa.

Ciao Bambini! isn’t just an exhibit; it’s an interactive passport to a world of discovery. Through playful engagement and hands-on activities, children will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for Italian culture, history, and art. Prepare for an adventure that’s sure to be bellissimo.

Ciao Bambini! was created by The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum.

Visit sugarland.hmns.org for tickets and information.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land—On Oct. 3, 2009, a historic prison building in the residential community area of Telfair opened to the public, transformed – as the new Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. This satellite facility of HMNS includes five permanent galleries reflecting the most popular exhibit areas of the downtown Museum location. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the 43,000 square foot building and the surrounding 5.5 acres of land that house the museum present a variety of compelling traveling exhibitions. Located at 13019 University Blvd. (at the corner of University and New Territory Blvds.), a visit to HMNS at Sugar Land is always an adventure.

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The Houston Museum of Natural Science

One of the nation's most heavily attended museums-is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, and George Observatory, and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.

Visit HMNS.org


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Our Mission

The mission of the Houston Museum of Natural Science shall be to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science; to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects; and to maintain and promote a museum of the first class.

HMNS at Hermann Park

5555 Hermann Park Dr.
Houston,Texas 77030
(713) 639-4629


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HMNS at Sugar Land

13016 University Blvd.
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
(281) 313-2277


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George Observatory

21901 FM 762 Rd.
Needville, Texas 77461
(281) 242-3055


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