IRVINE, California (May 2026) – Pretend City Children’s Museum officially opened Wonder Studio, its new immersive summer exhibit, with a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 22, 2026, joined by City of Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai, representatives from Mayor Larry Agran’s office, and William Go, Greater Irvine Chamber, members, donors, community partners, and friends of Pretend City.
Wonder Studio invites children and families to paint, sculpt, build, and explore through hands-on art and play. Designed to encourage creativity, imagination, and self-expression, the exhibit transforms children from art observers into artists themselves.
Families can experience a variety of creative spaces throughout Wonder Studio, including a clay station, makerspace, portrait station, painting room, and a children’s gallery where young artists can proudly display their artwork throughout the summer.
From spinning their whole bodies to create one-of-a-kind paintings, to getting their hands deep into clay, to helping create larger community art pieces, every part of the exhibit was designed to be interactive, playful, and unforgettable.
Wonder Studio also reflects Pretend City’s continued focus on purposeful play and early childhood development. Through hands-on creativity and exploration, children build confidence, problem-solving skills, communication, and imagination in a welcoming environment designed for families to experience together.
Pretend City is also now offering expanded summer hours and will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the summer season. Museum members receive exclusive early entry one hour before the museum opens to the public.
Wonder Studio is included with museum admission and will run throughout the summer.
For more information, visit www.pretendcity.org.
About Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, featuring an interconnected city designed to prepare children to meet milestones and prepare for school through imaginative play. Their 19 learning spaces, developmental screenings, and tools for caregivers, are designed to balance playful learning and engagement for the entire family. For more information about Pretend City Children’s Museum and their commitment to fostering children’s development through play, please visit www.pretendcity.org
