Somehow the Arizona Museum for Youth found 2,000 more square feet of space by reconfiguring its floor plan during a recent remodel. The Township of Artville, for the 4-and-under set, grew by 800 square feet. The Artzone Gallery for older youth also was enlarged.

That means even more room to enjoy the museum’s trademark hands-on activities. A new exhibit, “Discovering Culture through Popular Art,” opens July 16 and will appeal to kids who enjoy anime (Japanese animation) and manga (comics). They can learn about Japanese culture by visiting a manga shop, dressing in a kimono, serving tea in a traditional Japanese house and creating their own animation and manga. The traveling exhibit, organized by the Minnesota Children’s Museum, runs through Oct 10.

Arizona  Museum for Youth is located at 35 N. Robson in Mesa. Admission is $6.50 for anyone over age 1. 480-644-2467 or arizonamuseumforyouth.com.

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