Peru! Opens at Indianapolis Children's Museum

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis has unveiled a new exhibit called "Take Me there: Peru!", taking visitors on an educational and immersive journey through South America.

The exhibit highlights life in Peru's three major regions: the city and coast, the rainforest, and the mountains. To create an authentic experience, the museum has incorporated elements such as trees, sounds, lighting, and even local food.

"We really wanted to immerse visitors. So, you know, the trees, the look, the sounds, the lighting back here changes," said Stephanie Eddleman, senior exhibit developer.

The exhibit also features traditional Peruvian dishes, including ceviche and Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian stir fry. Visitors can even try making some of these dishes themselves, as local Peruvian restaurant Pico Mar has provided footage of their chefs preparing the dishes.

"And the awesome part is that we also have a local Peruvian restaurant, Pico Mar, and they let us film some footage at the restaurant, which you see behind us here, of them making some of these dishes. So you can try Peruvian food, real Peruvian food, right here in Indianapolis," Eddleman said.

Eddleman's favorite part of the process was meeting the people of Peru and blending cultures together.

"I think my favorite part was just meeting all of the people. Everyone in Peru was so warm, so welcoming. They wanted to help us with the project. Just meeting those people, making connections and being able to welcome some of them here today to see the exhibit was just really special," Eddleman said.