Storyteller Museum – MuBaBaO is a private institution, the result of passion and commitment of the founder Michal Malinowski.
The Museum is a place that constantly collects and conducts research on oral traditions and intangible heritage from different parts of the world.
The Museum offers a dynamic array of educational and cultural activities throughout the year, including hands-on workshops that cater to various age groups and skill levels, vibrant festivals celebrating diverse cultures and artistic expressions, and curated exhibitions.
These events are designed to engage the community, inspire creativity, and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts and humanities
The headquarters of the Storyteller Museum is located in Czarnów within the Konstancin-Jeziorna commune near Warsaw, Poland, It is an intimate venue offering an immersive experience through diverse exhibits, workshops, and events. It explores the rich traditions of storytelling and creativity across cultures and eras.
Nestled in a picturesque area near Warsaw, the museum serves as a vibrant creative space where stories come to life, captivating both the local community and visitors from afar.
Museum is also completely mobile. It tries to reach wherever there are people willing to experience valuable activities. Its Playground of Storytelling Creativity performs during various events in Poland and world-wide.
Museum organizes or co-organizes numerous events all around the globe. From India, Middle East, Africa to Americas
With its activities, the Museum promotes Polish culture and pedagogical innovations abroad at conferences, fairs, festivals in India, Iran, Qatar, Canada, USA, Morocco, and many other countries of the world.
We are working with people from different backgrounds and cultures
Museum have had the profound and humbling experience of conducting storytelling workshops for refugee children from Iraq in Syria. This opportunity allowed to engage with young minds that have endured unimaginable challenges, yet still hold onto a remarkable sense of hope and creativity.
The workshops provided a sanctuary for these children, where they could express themselves freely, explore their emotions, and share their personal stories in a supportive environment. Many of the children had fled conflict and hardship, and storytelling became a powerful tool for them to process their experiences and reconnect with their sense of identity and belonging.
During the sessions, Michal Malinowski guided the children through various storytelling techniques, helping them craft narratives that ranged from personal memories to imaginative tales. We used a mix of verbal storytelling, drawing, and simple crafts to bring their stories to life. It was inspiring to see how quickly they embraced the process, channeling their experiences into stories that were both poignant and filled with hope.
The most rewarding aspect of this experience was witnessing the transformation that storytelling could bring. As the children shared their stories with the group, Michal saw their confidence grow. They found joy in seeing their voices heard and their stories appreciated by others. These moments of connection were incredibly powerful, creating a sense of community and mutual understanding among the children.
Working with these young storytellers from Iraq in a Syrian refugee setting was a deeply emotional and enriching experience. It reinforced our belief in the power of storytelling as a tool for healing, empowerment, and connection. The resilience and creativity of these children left an indelible mark on me, and I carry the lessons I learned from them into every storytelling workshop I lead.
The Museum is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates the art of storytelling in all its forms. Hosting outstanding storytellers and artists from around the globe, MuBaBaO has established itself as a unique forum for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and creative expression.
At MuBaBaO, storytelling is not just an art but a bridge between cultures, generations, and perspectives. The museum regularly invites world-renowned storytellers, performers, and artists to share their tales, traditions, and techniques, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the richness of global storytelling.
These events often feature a diverse range of genres, from ancient myths and folklore to contemporary narratives and spoken word performances, ensuring that there is something to captivate every audience.
By bringing together such a diverse array of voices and artistic expressions, The Storyteller Museum serves as a melting pot of ideas and inspiration, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about the art of storytelling and its role in shaping our shared human experience
The Museum actively promotes the broader use of storytelling in schools, encouraging educators to incorporate this powerful art form into their teaching methods to boost student engagement and enhance learning experiences. Utilizing our unique authorial methods of picture storytelling, we provide innovative tools and resources that help teachers bring stories to life, making education more dynamic and impactful.
Through workshops, training sessions, and classroom materials, we aim to transform traditional learning environments and foster a deeper connection between students and their subjects.
The Museum is offering a diverse range of storytelling and creative workshops for both teachers and students. These workshops are designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants by integrating the art of storytelling into the learning process.
For teachers, the workshops provide valuable tools and techniques to incorporate storytelling into their curriculum. Educators learn how to use narrative as a powerful teaching method, making lessons more engaging and relatable for their students. Through hands-on activities, teachers explore ways to weave storytelling into subjects like history, literature, science, and social studies, helping students connect with the material on a deeper level. These workshops also focus on developing teachers’ own storytelling skills, enabling them to become more effective and dynamic communicators in the classroom.
Students, on the other hand, are invited to participate in workshops that ignite their imagination and encourage self-expression. These sessions create a supportive environment where students can explore their creativity through various storytelling forms, such as writing, oral narratives, visual arts, and even digital storytelling. By crafting and sharing their own stories, students develop critical thinking, communication, and empathy skills. The workshops also emphasize collaboration, allowing students to work together to create collective narratives, fostering teamwork and a sense of community.
The Museum’s storytelling and creative workshops are tailored to meet the needs of different age groups and learning levels, ensuring that every participant walks away with a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling. By bridging the gap between education and creativity, these workshops provide teachers and students with enriching experiences that inspire lifelong learning and a love for stories.
The Museum has earned a distinguished reputation for its innovative methods and workshops, which have been hosted by some of the most prestigious schools around the world. Our approach to storytelling and creative education has resonated with educators and students alike, making us a sought-after partner for institutions that value the transformative power of narrative.
One of our proudest moments was the opportunity to share MuBaBaO techniques at the ASPIRE Academy in Qatar. ASPIRE Academy, known for its excellence in nurturing young talent, particularly in sports and academics, welcomed our storytelling methods as a unique complement to their curriculum. Our workshops at ASPIRE were tailored to blend seamlessly with the Academy’s focus on holistic development, using storytelling as a tool to enhance creativity, communication, and critical thinking among students.
During these sessions, we introduced our signature techniques that emphasize the power of narrative in both personal development and academic success. Students at ASPIRE Academy engaged in interactive workshops where they learned to craft and share their own stories, exploring themes that resonated with their lives and aspirations. The workshops not only helped students develop their storytelling skills but also encouraged them to think more deeply about their personal journeys, fostering self-awareness and confidence.
The collaboration with ASPIRE Academy was a remarkable experience for both the Museum and the students involved. It demonstrated the universal applicability of MuBaBaO’s methods, showing that storytelling can enrich the educational experience across different cultures and disciplines. The success of these workshops at such a prestigious institution underscores the value and impact of our approach, and we look forward to continuing our work with leading schools around the world.
I had the privilege of delivering engaging storytelling workshops at Lotus Valley International School, where I guided students in exploring the art of narrative creation. The workshops were designed to enhance their creativity, confidence, and communication skills. Through interactive sessions, the students learned to craft compelling stories, develop characters, and express their ideas vividly. The school’s commitment to holistic education was evident as students eagerly participated, showcasing their talents and growing as confident storytellers, ready to contribute to their vibrant school community.
*Lotus Valley International School makes a point of educating its learners beyond the regular curriculum. Co-curricular activities edify them with learning in discipline, fitness, team spirit and confidence and help them develop a well-rounded personality
In addition to hosting festivals and workshops, the museum is deeply committed to creating original projects that foster intercultural dialogue and promote the values of peace. One of our flagship initiatives, „King Matt’s Castle,” embodies this mission through a unique and interactive approach.
The „King Matt’s Castle” project is inspired by the story of King Matt, a fictional child monarch who embarks on a journey to create a just and peaceful world. To bring this vision to life, we use wooden blocks to construct massive, intricate replicas of King Matt’s castle. These constructions are not just physical structures; they are symbolic spaces where creativity, collaboration, and communication come together.
As we travel with this project to countries like India, Canada, and Brazil, the castle serves as a dynamic platform for engaging communities. Once the castle is built, it transforms into a hub where participants of all ages and backgrounds are invited to gather, develop, and share stories centered around peaceful conflict resolution, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
Through storytelling sessions, role-playing games, and collaborative discussions, the castle becomes a living narrative, evolving with each participant’s input. This approach not only brings diverse cultures together but also empowers individuals to explore and express ideas of peace in a tangible and meaningful way.
„King Matt’s Castle” is more than just a construction project; it is a traveling beacon of hope and a reminder that peace is a collective endeavor that requires imagination, dialogue, and a willingness to build bridges across differences
on-line project Inventors Playground aiming to create youth communities of inventors from various places all over the world.
The Storyteller Museum has successfully invented and realized the pilot version of the Inventors Playground as a visionary model of a Collaborative Learning Hub in Non-Linear Pedagogy. In this pilot project, children and teachers from Poland, Morocco, Uganda, and Botswana collaborated during regular online sessions to create imaginative prototypes aimed at solving the pressing issue of ocean destruction.
A powerful example of global collaboration and creativity emerged from Kotido, a rural area in Uganda. Here, under the guidance of their teachers, children engaged in the innovative task of building a helicopter designed to collect plastic dust from the oceans. This project not only allowed the students to explore engineering concepts but also raised awareness about ocean pollution. The helicopter prototype symbolized hope and innovation, demonstrating how even in remote areas far from the sea, communities can be inspired to tackle worldwide challenges. This initiative reinforced the idea that solutions to global problems can originate from any corner of the world, showcasing the potential of collaborative, non-linear learning.
Two innovative Moroccan students embarked on an inspiring journey to protect marine life by inventing „The Hospital for Whales.” This imaginative creation, developed using MuBaBaO Creative Thinking Blocks during the Inventors Playground Project, is the first step in a larger initiative aimed at safeguarding our oceans’ giants.
The Hospital for Whales is a conceptual sanctuary designed to provide care and rehabilitation for injured or stranded whales, symbolizing a broader commitment to marine conservation. This invention not only showcases the students’ creativity but also sparks a movement to inspire others to take action in protecting and preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.
The Storyteller Museum proudly participated in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar with its unique mobile Children’s Art project. Selected for this prestigious event, the museum created a vibrant 120 m² Polish Fun Zone for children at the Corniche in Doha. This engaging space offered young visitors a delightful blend of art and football, highlighting Poland’s rich cultural heritage and fostering creativity during the global football celebration.
The inventive creations of Michał Malinowski, such as sensory cushion-blocks and MuBaBaO Creative Thinking Blocks, animated children and families from all around the globe, making the experience both educational and entertaining.
In the 2021/22 academic year, the Storyteller Museum led a series of dynamic workshops across 10 schools in Morocco, utilizing MuBaBaO Creative Thinking Blocks to inspire creativity and innovation. These initiatives included specialized creativity workshops for teachers, designed to cultivate an environment of innovative thinking and artistic expression within the classrooms.
The program aimed to enhance creative skills and promote imaginative learning among both students and educators. Additionally, the workshops for students were particularly impactful, as they invented prototypes of various inventions and crafted unique stories, showcasing their boundless creativity and problem-solving abilities. This program successfully fostered a culture of innovation and creativity throughout the participating schools.
One of the workshops was delivered in the enchanting setting of Palace el Mokri in Fez. This historic and beautiful venue provided a unique and inspiring backdrop for the participants, enriching the creative experience. The atmosphere of the palace, with its intricate architecture and cultural significance, added an extra layer of inspiration as students and educators engaged in the workshop, exploring new ideas and innovative thinking with the MuBaBaO Creative Thinking Blocks.
The blend of history and creativity made this workshop a truly memorable experience for all involved. Adding to the significance of the event, His Excellency Krzysztof Karwowski, Ambassador of Poland in Morocco, was present, further highlighting the international collaboration and cultural exchange fostered through this initiative.
Captivating Storytelling by World-Renowned Storytellers and a Creative Animation Session
The event organized by the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center was a true celebration of the art of storytelling, featuring the captivating talents of renowned storytellers Regina Ress, Salieu Suso, Laura Simms, and Eleanor Benjamin. Held in a vibrant and engaging environment, this event offered a unique blend of traditional storytelling and innovative creative sessions, making it a perfect occasion for audiences of all ages.
Creative Animation with Michał Malinowski
Adding a unique twist to the event, Polish artist Michał Malinowski from the Storyteller Museum MuBaBaO led a creative animation session that was as inspiring as it was engaging. Known for his innovative approach to storytelling through visual art, Michał guided participants in creating their own animated stories using MuBaBaO’s Creative Thinking Blocks.
These blocks, designed to foster creativity, imagination, and logical thinking, allowed participants to craft their unique wooden creations. The hands-on session not only provided a fun and educational activity but also encouraged participants to think outside the box and explore new ways of expressing their stories visually.
Full of welcoming learning environments for children
Open to the whole world of heritage and stories
in this method:
We reveal the potential and creativity in a unique way!
We create memorable learning experiences!
We encourage problem-solving and growth mindset in children
We care about teamwork, communication and playful learning!
One of the goals of the Museum is to support the education system by exploring potential, creating pedagogical innovations rooted in tradition, as well as creating innovative methods and tools for learning.
Our aim is also to implement the latest achievements of science and technology into the education process by using alternative teaching methods that support the development of imagination, stimulate creativity, overcome mental and psychological barriers, educate the ability to use words, public appearances and the art of oration. Our goal is also to cultivate and present the oral tradition and intangible cultural heritage by combining them with the latest technologies.
During the visit to the Museum, visitors could experience a great variety of activities
Visitors could discover and explore various ethnographical items from Africa, Asia and Europe.
Moreover the Museum possess a large collection of picture storytelling examples from Indian Kavad to sand storytelling from northen Angola
Visitors could experience the storytelling sessions with the programs of tales from all over the world.
The storytelling style is very lively. Children actively participate in storytelling. They make noises, imitate fairy-tale characters, engage with their whole body.
Modeling and creative workshops with storytelling elements
The aim of the workshop is to show how easy it is to create interesting toys and learn how to play with them. We want the participants to personally construct and decorate the models or mechanical toys they invented, and then enjoy and enjoy playing with them. We try to come up with stories for a given toy with the participants and we encourage them to tell stories together. In the story, we try to show how to better use the body, voice, gestures, movement, singing, dancing or interaction with the audience.
The course of the workshop
Each participant receives special modeling blocks IMAGINATION ENGINEER – MuBaBaO to create an appropriate toy from which he makes and decorates a model of a carriage, car, train, animal or plane. By creating their own toys, the participants develop their imagination and manual skills. The set is cut from ecological birch plywood.
After designing their own structure, everyone decorates it in their own way.
After the toys are made, stories are invented with their use.
At the end, presentation of own models and stories and great fun
(the creative set includes: laser cut plywood 3,4,5 and 6mm elements, materials for gilding, silvering and decorating toy elements and decorative paper, gold, silver, hologram / cardboard / gold, silverware, sequins, ribbons, glue and paper processing tools)
each participant takes the finished work home with him
Using MuBaBaO wooden blocks, the participants create magical structures – castles, towers, bridges, etc…. At the same time, they come up with a story for their own building that can be told together after building.
The resulting works can be created individually or collectively, they can also have a modular character, i.e. people add another part of the existing structure, the dimensions of which can be up to 2-3 meters in height.
MuBaBaO wooden blocks were created out of passion for creative life. They consist of simple blocks made of unpainted, safe to use beech and oak wood. Thanks to a special treatment, the blocks have an interesting texture that is perceptible to the touch. They have been designed to take advantage of some natural knots and discoloration. This variety of wood colors makes them visually attractive. They develop communication, clarity of thinking, concentration and a sense of inner balance resulting from the play process. They have a remarkable power to stimulate the imagination so that participants are able to easily visualize and then tell a story.wooden
Sensory Cushion Blocks are interactive, versatile cushions designed to engage both the mind and body. Made from high-quality ecological leather and filled with a soft, comfortable material, these cushions come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 0.5 to 3 meters, and are available in an array of vibrant colors. Each block is crafted into imaginative shapes, such as whimsical animals or stackable forms like bagels, encouraging creativity and play.
These cushions are specifically designed to stimulate a child’s imagination while promoting comprehensive motor development. By interacting with the cushions—whether by running, jumping, balancing, or simply lounging—children engage their skeletal and muscular systems, enhancing the development of the spine, trunk, limbs, and feet. The unique design of the Sensory Cushion Blocks offers a sensation of weightlessness and varied sensory stimulation, making movement feel smooth and harmonious.
Perfect for both children and adults, Sensory Cushion Blocks provide endless fun and physical engagement, making them an ideal addition to any playful, creative environment. These innovative cushions were exhibited at the Center for Modern Art in Warsaw during the „Touching the Art” exhibition, where they received the prestigious „Słoneczniki” Award for the best children’s installation, highlighting their impact and appeal in fostering interactive, sensory-rich experiences.
unique paper theatre making workshops to play out your own story
Inspired by traditional Victorian theaters, we have prepared a special method of illustrating and presenting stories. Exercises effectively inspire imagination and are great fun for children and families. At the same time, they are a great form of learning about folk tales
We have prepared special proscenia, backgrounds and characters for a paper theater with reference to fairy tales from different parts of the world
During the workshop, participants will learn how to build a paper theater and how to use it to tell a story. They will discover how to manipulate paper characters and how to change backgrounds in scenes during a presentation. They will get to know the selected fairy tale and then present it using a paper theater.
The workshop program includes techniques for creating pop-up booklets.
It shows several techniques of cutting and folding paper so the participants can create characters, mouth-moving dogs, cats, penguins or other figures. In addition, participants learn how to create a folding castle, chamber, landscape or other scene needed to create a story. After creating a few illustrations of characters and scenes, we create books and stories. At the end, a presentation of the story using the picture technique of a fold-out book.
The paper elements used during the workshops are adapted to stimulate the sensors. During the workshops, paper of various structures, densities and surfaces is used. Thanks to the thickenings, protrusions and various shapes of the paper elements, children participate not only in activities developing their imagination, but also stimulating their sensory and tactile skills, which are rarely developed in the early stages of learning these days.
Children, under the influence of contact with such a plastic tool as paper, feel the ability to create on their own, they begin to believe in their ability to create something their own and unique
Participants create beautiful king, prince and princess crowns and costumes. They decorate them with gorgeous, shiny hologram foil and other materials. Each person receives a crown cut from a special shiny, gold or diamond paper and decorates it with gold, diamonds or other unusual materials.
They make shiny jewelry, scepters, armor or golden swords … Then they play in inventing and telling stories about the adventures of a given character.Participants
