2_9_ScanMag_75_April_2015_Text_Q9_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 07/04/2015 21:40 Page 55
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children’s Universe
Young learning and development in a familiar setting Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus (Alfie Atkin’s Cultural Centre) in Gothenburg, Sweden, is all about creative learning and education for children between the ages of zero to eight. With a busy annual programme presenting different activities for young adventurers and kids eager to learn, this is a brilliant place to spend a day or two. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus
Alfie Atkins is known all over the world. Through her wonderous illustrations, his creator, Gunilla Bergström has been able to create fiction most people can identify with. “It’s the kind of everyday things the books deal with that has made them both timeless and popular,” says Lisa Ödman, marketing officer at Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus. “Alfie has a way of staying current through time, and the kids absolutely love the books.” With over 1,400 different activities and events annually, the Cultural Centre has something for every visitor. The programmed activities cast a wide net with highlights such as theatre performances, storytelling sessions, science experiences, dancing and much more. “There
are many great opportunities for people to bring their kids along and spend a wonderful time together,” Ödman explains. “We offer a unique environment where kids are able to play around in the scenery from the actual books allowing them to step into the fictional world Gunilla Bergström has created.” Focusing on educating and developing the minds of the young ones, Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus is an exceptional place to take your kids. Activities such as Alfie’s minichefs, where kids will be taught cookery by a former star chef, and Alfie Atkin’s Experiments, where cooperation between the Centre, Chalmers School of Science, SKF and Volvo invites young school children to participate in a week full of exciting science
experiments, are just a few of the many exciting items on the 2015 schedule. Alfons Åbergs Kultuhus is managed by a non-profit foundation that has made sure to adapt the Centre to fit most children’s needs by being wheelchair accessible, offering sign language interpreted activities, hearing loops and aids as well as image maps to help those in need of extra structure plan their visit. “If you’ve ever read Alfie to your kids, or if in any way they have come across Bergström’s characters, this is a lovely place to take your family,” Ödman concludes. “With so much to do and so much warmth and welcoming the Centre offers, you will instantly feel right at home, no matter where you’re from.” The Alfons Åbergs Kultuhus is open every day, 10am – 4pm For more information, please visit: www.alfonskulturhus.com
Issue 75 | April 2015 | 55