CHILDREN’S MUSEUM REBORN

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta has reopened Downtown after a massive $8.2 million renovation project. The completely redesigned and expanded space offers new exhibits, a mezzanine level, a permanent performance space, enhanced learning zones with state-of-the art technology and an overarching focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math education (STEAM). For more visit, childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Center, top to bottom: Large Rube Goldberg machines teach kids about cause and effect. Executive Director Jane Turner demonstrates the 3-D mapped sandbox which projects a terrain map plus elements like rain, based on your creations. The mini Waffle House grill and diner is a favorite amongst the kids.

Right, top to bottom: Kids learn about what goes into the houses they live in with information about plumbing, electricity, structure and more. Musical steps lead upstairs to the science area, shown at bottom right, which has interactive and multilingual educational activities.

Your family’s most comprehensive online guide to arts and cultural entertainment. Visit AtlantaPlanIt.com for more upcoming events.

Visual Arts

Castleberry Hill 2nd Friday Art Stroll: Visit the fascinating and diverse galleries of Castleberry Hill, Atlanta’s historic arts district, during this monthly community event. Jan. 8. Free. castleberryhill.org

Absolute Chong: Albert Chong, an artist of African and Chinese descent, uses photography, sculpture and installation art to explore his ancestry and identity. Closes Jan. 17. $2 to $4. hammondshouse.org

Patterns of Flight: Gallery 72, in partnership with The Creatives Project (TCP), presents a show that embodies the journey of TCP resident artists, and how they have expanded and elevated their bodies of work. Closes Jan. 20. Free. oaatlanta.com

Shen Yun Performing Arts

On Being Black: Nearly two dozen nationally renowned, mid-career and emerging fine art photographers explore issues of race, colorism and racial identity. Closes Jan. 22. Free. adawkinsgallery.com

Between the Sweet Water and the Swarm of Bees: Works by Susanne Wenger: The Carlos Museum presents a rare, never-before-seen collection of prints and batiks inspired by Yoruba deities and European mythology. Opens Jan. 23. $6 to $8. carlos.emory.edu

Performing Arts

As You Like It: Take a trip into Shakespeare’s enchanted woods, where Rosalind disguises herself as a man and Orlando litters the woods with love notes praising her beauty and virtue. Jan. 2 through 31. $15 to $36. shakespearetavern.com

The Book of Mormon: From creators of the animated series “South Park” comes the nine-time Tony Award-winning show called “the best musical of this century” by “ The New York Times. ” Jan. 12 through 24. $35 to $150. atlanta. broadway.com