Tips for visiting MMAM with kids

Welcome!  We are happy you want to visit, and applaud your efforts to prepare for your visit.  Whether you are here for a few minutes or a couple of hours, please know that your time with us is valued. We hope you find these suggestions helpful.

Visiting MMAM in the time of COVID-19:

Welcome!  You and your child/children are welcome to visit MMAM during COVID.  Here are few things to know before you come: 

• All visitors must wear masks that cover both their nose and mouth for the entirety of their visit.  Children 5 and younger, and anyone medically unable to wear a mask, are exempt from this rule.  

• Your family must stay together and at least 6 feet apart from other visitors/ groups.  

• We are asking that all food and drinks be kept outside of MMAM.

• We have removed the family reading area, cafe seating area, self-guided tour cards, audio tours, and upholstered seating.  However, we have a few benches placed around the galleries and we have strollers that are sanitized after every use.  You are welcome to bring your own stroller.  

• We have our ever-popular “Bingo Overboard” gallery game that is fun for all ages and abilities.  This free tool will help ensure that everyone has a great time.  Ask the front desk to give you a free Bingo sheet and stickers, and carefully look at the artworks to find as many items as you can on your card.  Children can claim a pre-packaged “surprise prize” in a paper lunch bag.  Please take the first bag that you touch.  

Plan your visit.

When planning a trip to MMAM, spend a few minutes on our web site to discover what artwork will be on display. Choose several pieces to discuss with your child ahead of time. If possible, print out photos (from our web site or locate something similar on the web) of these items, and try to locate related background information.  If time, read aloud with your child what they are about and why they are meaningful. This helps connect your child to the work ahead of time. You will be amazed at how making connections before your visit will strengthen your visit.

Make Connections in the Galleries.

Help your child draw connections between artwork and their life.  For example, ask if they were a painter, what would they paint?  Look for their choice of subject throughout the museum.  Are there places or things children have seen before? Are there children in the paintings? What are they reading or playing? How are their clothes different or the same? If family is portrayed, how are they interacting with each other?

Talk about color and shape. Ask your child to choose their favorite shape/color and explain why they like it.  Locate colors and shapes in artwork. Ask why they think an artist chooses a certain color and notice similar colors in other pieces.  Have them make up a story related to the artwork (who, what, where, when, etc.).  If they were the artist, how would they change the artwork?

Imitate art, literally.  Have the kids imitate people, animals, actions, shapes, lines, etc. in the artwork.   Most kids love involvement and demonstrating movement. 

Don’t try to see everything.

Young children tend to have a short attention span, so plan to spend about 30-40 minutes with kids ages 10 and younger.  Try to focus on a couple of artworks that peak your interest, instead of racing through and trying to see everything in one visit.  If it’s possible for your family to visit more frequently, for shorter amounts of time, you will set your children up for success.

Play “I Spy.”

Look for hidden treasures in museum!  Treasures might include: faces that look familiar (family, friends, teachers, etc.), similar places/locations, favorite colors, and structures (ships, boats, buildings, hills/bluffs, etc.)…consider those with you and brainstorm treasures to hunt!  The MMAM offers a “Bingo Overboard” game that encourages children to slow down and try to find multiple things in the artworks.  Ask for a bingo card at the front desk, and claim your prize when you get a bingo.

Compare and Contrast. 

Find multiple works by a single artist, or a group of works by similar artists.  For example, choose two Impressionist pieces (i.e. Monet and Degas) and talk about how they are similar and different.  Or, choose two artworks that were made in the same time period and discuss how their work is similar and different.  Comparing and contrasting is a great way to strengthen your art looking skills.   

Take it outside. 

Our grounds are a wonderland of art in nature—the building, the weathervane, the river, and the gardens are all designed to be enjoyed. Wander the paths in the garden, or sit on the river walk and talk about your experience.