Museo Sol del Niño

Have you ever wondered how to turn science education into an exciting adventure? The Sol del Niño Museum in the city of Mexicali is a unique interactive space where learning happens through play and experimentation. Located in the sunny country of Mexico, this center has become a magnet for families seeking to broaden their children's horizons in culture, technology, and ecology.

The museum occupies an impressive area of over 30,000 square meters. A special charm is added to the site by its architecture: the main exhibition halls are housed in the masterfully restored historic building of the former “La Jabonera del Pacífico” factory. Here, ancient walls meet futuristic ideas, creating a unique atmosphere for creativity and discovery.

The primary mission of this place is to stimulate curiosity and develop intellectual skills in visitors of all ages. Whether you are a child or an adult, the Sol del Niño Museum offers an interactive experience that will make you look at the familiar laws of physics and the environment in a new way.

To plan your visit to the Sol del Niño Museum, it is helpful to have current contact details on hand. This will help you verify information about special events or the cost of additional cinema tickets.

Inside the museum, visitors will find over 260 interactive exhibits distributed across themed halls. In the “Magic Science” zone, you can personally conduct experiments explaining the principles of gravity and optical illusions. Fans of active recreation will enjoy Plaza del Sol y el Agua, which features a climbing wall, a gyroscope, and the famous “bed of nails.”

Environmental education is presented in an engaging way at the “Sustainable House” (Casa Sustentable), where guests are taught teamwork and respect for nature. Creative souls can stop by the Art Workshop to create crafts from recycled materials, or dive into the world of virtual reality in the Realidad Aumentada (Augmented Reality) hall dedicated to the state of Baja California.

There is also plenty to see outdoors: here sits an original historical locomotive 2107, which once transported heavy cargo. And for those who want to end the day spectacularly, there is a cinema offering educational films on the big screen.

The Sol del Niño Museum is located in the city's industrial zone (Zona Industrial), making it easily accessible for travelers using private or rental transport. There is a spacious parking lot of over 7,000 square meters for guests, so finding a spot for your car is usually not an issue.

If you prefer public transport, city buses run to the industrial zone. A taxi ride from the city center takes very little time, and the trip from Mexicali International Airport lasts about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

For precise navigation, it is recommended to use modern map apps and enter the official address: Alfonso Esquer Sandez S/N. The museum is a major landmark in the area, so any local taxi driver will easily take you to the main entrance.

The museum's grand opening took place on September 21, 1998. The project became a reality thanks to the initiative of María Elena Blackaller de Elorduy and the support of high-ranking national officials, including Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo. From the start, the museum was conceived as a non-profit association supported by philanthropy and government partnerships.

An interesting feature of the architectural complex is its historical value. The museum occupies the building of a former soap factory, “La Jabonera del Pacífico.” The reconstruction of this industrial site allowed for the preservation of a piece of Mexicali's history, breathing new life dedicated to science and children into the old walls.

Over the years, the Sol del Niño Museum has become a true cultural phenomenon in the state of Baja California. In its first year alone, more than 270,000 people visited, and by 2016, the total number of guests reached the impressive milestone of 4 million. This confirms the museum's status as one of the most popular educational centers in the region.

To fully enjoy all the interactive zones and browse the exhibits without rushing, visitors are recommended to set aside 3 to 4 hours for their visit. This is enough time for children to participate in experiments and for adults to read the information boards.

If your plans include visiting the museum's cinema or participating in creative workshops, it is worth allowing an extra hour. The museum's vast territory, which includes outdoor playgrounds, invites a long and thoughtful discovery of the world of science and technology.

When planning your visit to the Sol del Niño Museum, please note that the main activity here takes place toward the end of the week. According to the official schedule, the museum is open to guests from Thursday to Sunday. On these days, the doors are hospitably open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The museum is usually closed to visitors from Monday to Wednesday. However, it is recommended to check the working hours in advance before your trip, as the schedule may change on holidays or during special school events.

Exploring the surroundings of the Sol del Niño Museum allows you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Mexicali and find even more interesting places for family leisure. Nearby, you will find both historical sites and modern entertainment centers.