Robots can teach young people (and not-so-young people) much more about economics than old classics locked away in libraries. At least, that’s the new promise of the Museum of Interactive Economy (MIDE), which reopened in November after a five-month renovation of its facility in Mexico City’s historic center. Mexicans’ relationship with money and the economy has many nuances, from ignorance to debt to savings and anxiety. With this in mind, General Director Sylvia Singer has no hesitation in saying that this new experience will be something for everyone. “We make financial decisions from the moment we wake up,” he commented in an interview.
The venue welcomes visitors with the powerful footsteps of its youngest host, the robot dog Can-X. In addition to having steel and aluminum legs, Can-X speaks to its audience with a metallic but friendly voice, explaining briefly about inflation, market concepts of supply and demand, or the monetary policy decisions of Mexico’s highest institution, the Banco de México.
MIDE is most proud of being the world’s first interactive economics venue. “We are interested in helping our visitors discover the value of making decisions in their daily lives,” says the curator, who participated in every decision regarding the renovation of this space. Now you can record videos and share them on social networks, live with robots, and take guided tours using artificial intelligence (AI) tools on weekends.
Since its opening in 2006, the museum has focused on educating its participants and how museology can contribute to making the visit rewarding for each participant. Admission will remain free for two days, but the price will remain at 160 Mexican pesos (approximately $8.70 at current exchange rates) or a 50% discount for students, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Don’t just watch, participate
Museums in the 21st century are not just about observing things. When it comes to economics and finance, it’s best to bet as if it were your own money. One room focused on the everyday world asks participants to make decisions with play money as if it were their own, in order to hold them accountable. Those who choose to participate can choose to take out a loan or withdraw from their personal savings, as if it were their own money in their wallets.
After being closed to the public for four months due to renovation works, the museum’s new attraction focuses on modules on personal finance and monetary policy, where complex concepts are explained through simulators, budgets, opening possibilities, and even understanding concepts such as central bank decisions.
In collaboration with the Bank of Mexico, several rooms seek to portray people’s relationship with money, from spending to budgeting to decisions as simple as taking an Uber or Mexico City subway.
Everything adds up, everything subtracts. In a society where economic decisions depend on inflation and end in remittances and commercial offers like El Buen Fin, the contribution of this sector is freely chosen.
General information about the Museum of Interactive Economics (MIDE)
- Admission is free from November 8th to 16th.
- General admission: MXN 160.
- Admission fee for students, teachers, and seniors: 80 pesos.
- Admission Saturday to Sunday from 9am to 1pm: 2×1.
- Tuesday through Friday admission begins at 3 p.m. 2×1 until 5pm.
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