Villa Zapakara
The museum where children discover the world
Some museums are built for adults who walk quietly past paintings. Villa Zapakara is built for children who touch things, play, ask questions and can’t sit still. And, to be honest, for the adults who still have a bit of that in them. Since 2009 Villa Zapakara has been opening the doors of the world to the children of Suriname. No glass cases. No “do not touch” signs. Here you bring the exhibition to life yourself — through stories, role play and activities, guided by staff who know how to let a child discover something without pushing.
From Ghana to Suriname
Villa Zapakara takes its visitors travelling — each exhibition a different country, a different culture, a different world.
It began in 2009 with Paleisgeheimen (Palace Secrets), an interactive journey to the Ashanti in Ghana. More than 17,000 children and accompanying adults visited it. Then came Ster in de Stad (Star in the City), about life in the vast city of Mumbai, which drew over 22,000 visitors. From India it went to China, then to Brazil, and between 2019 and 2024 Villa Zapakara presented Sranan Krakti, an exhibition about the strength of Surinamese nature and culture, and about finding that strength in yourself.
Since August 2024 the current exhibition has been open: Kampong Villa Zapakara, about Javanese-Surinamese culture in Suriname.
More than a museum
Alongside the exhibitions, Villa Zapakara has a media library of books and films about art and culture. Workshops and cultural activities are run throughout the year. Schools, after-school groups, families and individual visitors are all welcome — at weekends, during holidays and by appointment.
Villa Zapakara is a foundation. Not a commercial business, but a place that runs on passion, donations and volunteers. A place where every child is welcome, whatever their background.
Want to experience Javanese-Surinamese culture for yourself?
The current exhibition, Kampong Villa Zapakara, can also be booked as an interactive Kampong Tour or as a cooking workshop with Oma Lous.
Highlights
Interactive and educational
Not looking but doing — role play, stories and activities that fire the imagination
Media library and workshops
Books, films, cultural activities and workshops for all ages
Photos
Grietjebie tip
Villa Zapakara isn’t only for children. The Kampong Tour on Javanese-Surinamese culture is for all ages, and you’ll learn things you won’t hear or see anywhere else in Suriname.
Practical Info
Address
Prins Hendrikstraat 17b, Paramaribo
Hours
Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00