Bronx Children’s Museum Celebrates Induction into NYC’s Cultural Institutions Group with Special Event “CIGnified: A Bronx Celebration”

Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, center, with BxCM Executive Director Denise Adusei, left, and BxCM Board of Directors Vice President, Paul Ramirez.

Bronx, NY – On October 29, 2025, the Bronx Children’s Museum (BxCM) hosted a momentous evening titled “CIGnified: A Bronx Celebration” commemorating its official induction into the Cultural Institutions Group of New York City (CIG) and honoring the legacy of board members who supported the Museum’s journey from incorporation to its building opening.

The event brought together community members, partners, municipal leaders, and museum supporters. The historic designation reflects years of visionary leadership, community-engaged programming, and deep partnerships — signalling that BxCM is now part of New York City’s formal family of major cultural institutions, with the enhanced visibility, ongoing support and legitimacy that status confers.

From the podium, Executive Director Denise Rosario Adusei said, “Around here, C-I-G means more than a title. It stands for culture, imagination, and growth because when children experience culture and imagination together, growth is inevitable — in their minds, in their confidence, and in their connection to their community.

It also stands for creativity, innovation, and grit. That’s the Bronx way. It’s what built this Museum and what fuels every dream that begins inside these walls.

And it means community, inclusion, and generations, because this moment isn’t just for us — it’s for every child, educator, and family who believes the Bronx deserves spaces that reflect their brilliance.

So yes, we are CIGnified — because we are all of these things wrapped up in one beautiful Bronx story.”

Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner of NYC Department of Cultural Affairs commented that “the last expansion [of CIG] of this magnitude happened in 1974.” She continued, “We needed to make sure we elevated The Bronx. We wanted to elevate the Bronx Children’s Museum because our children have gone for too long without world class state of the art ‘everything.’”

Adolfo Carrión Jr. (center) with current board member Sonia Manzano (left) and Legacy Board Member Lee Llambelis (right).

Adolfo Carrión Jr., Deputy Mayor of New York City for Housing, Economic Development & Workforce remarked from the podium that “it was his vision to create a Children's Museum in The Bronx, and now as Deputy Mayor, he was able to a have a hand in making this designation happen, along with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.” He continued, “There’s now 45 million dollars in the City budget to baseline the Cultural Institutions Group. We’re going to have that money around forever. The Bronx Children’s Museum will be in the city budget permanently. This was worth it all.” 

Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson said, “For decades, we have not had an institution [from the Bronx] become a member of CIG, until now. This is historic, this is profound and this is impactful.” Recognizing founding Executive Director, Carla Precht for work during the process and current Executive Director, Denise Rosario Adusei for seeing it through, she stated that "one thing I love is when we pass the mantle of leadership. We carry on those dreams, we carry on those priorities, and that blueprint. That is what you ladies have done."

Denise Adusei with Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Former Board President Hope Harley and Former Executive Director, Carla Precht.

The Borough President presented the Museum with a proclamation declaring Wednesday, October 29, 2025 “Bronx Children’s Museum Day.”

In addition to celebrating the milestone, the evening paid tribute to the legacy board members whose early advocacy, governance, and sustained commitment made the Museum’s evolution possible — from its founding incorporation to opening its doors, and now to its institutional recognition. 

Attendees enjoyed activities throughout the museum including a graffiti workshop featuring Tats Cru, and beatbox workshops with Doctor Brick from The Academy of Noise, nostalgic pattern play and large format “lawn” games. The evening also featured a performance by Alphonso Horne and Nick Russo on trumpet and guitar, respectively, representing The Louis Armstrong House Museum, one of four other institutions inducted into CIG in September. 

Sponsors for the evening included: 

Apollo Global Management, Elissa Bard, Bronx Beer Hall, Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Raul and Marilyn Collado, Sarah and Marjorie Flaccavento, Fulton Fish Market Cooperative, Courtney Garcia, Goldman Sachs, Grand Street Settlement, Kate and Doug Green, Sonia Manzano, Red Rabbit, Hope Harley and Harold Todman.