Art Museums for Kids: A Global Exploration
Do kids and priceless artworks mix? While the phrase ‘like a bull in a china shop’ might spring to mind, your tiny tornadoes will not only be welcomed, but thoroughly engaged and entertained at many art museums all over the world.
Introducing children to art at an early age is incredibly beneficial to their creative development, academic performance, and motor skills, helping to increase confidence and focus. Gallery visits are parent-friendly too, making them perfect for family outings at home and abroad. So what are you waiting for? Take your mini-Monet to one of these galleries, pronto!
NGV International, Melbourne, Australia
The National Gallery of Victoria International (NGV International) is Australia’s oldest art museum, home to more than 70,000 artworks from across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The Melbourne museum is also renowned for its dedicated Kids Gallery featuring rotating exhibitions and a sculpture garden complete with a playground and mist installation that kids delight in running through.
Kate Ryan, The Truby and Florence Williams Curator of Children’s Programs at the NGV, states, ‘I am driven by the belief that children’s interactions and engagement with artists’ ideas in these inspiring settings can have a significant impact on a young person’s life – opening their minds to different ways of thinking and forging a meaningful connection with the NGV, which we hope will extend into their future lives.’
The NGV International offers a range of art workshops designed to teach children about visual arts and global cultures. Additionally, free NGV Kids activity sheets are provided for kids to complete while exploring the gallery.
National Gallery, London, UK
The National Gallery in London houses one of the greatest European art collections in the world, boasting works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Turner, Rembrandt, and the always popular Van Gogh. Introduce the kids to famous European masters; stop by an art workshop, or utilize a specially designed audio tour or printed trail to keep kids engaged with the works displayed in the galleries. There are even story, play, and song sessions tailored for kids under five.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, USA
The J. Paul Getty Museum, known as ‘The Getty’, is one of the world’s largest arts organizations. The Getty is divided into two campuses in Los Angeles; the Getty Center hosts an incredible collection of pre-20th-century European artworks, including Vincent van Gogh’s iconic Irises painting. Conversely, the Getty Villa, located in Malibu, showcases art and artefacts from ancient Greece and Rome.
Both museums cater exceptionally well to children, with dedicated family rooms that engage kids’ imaginations through activities related to the artworks at the museums, as well as printed scavenger hunts. The beautiful garden at the Getty Center, adorned with winding trails and water features, is particularly beloved by families.
The Louvre, France
The Louvre is a breathtaking site, marked by its transparent glass pyramid by Pei rising majestically from the ground, holding a treasure trove of art inside. This 800-year-old museum and former palace in Paris hosts masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, The Raft of the Medusa, and The Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Visiting the world’s largest art museum requires ample time to explore the 35,000 artworks and artefacts on display. Children at the Louvre are treated to an impressive variety of art and architecture, discoverable through family-friendly group multimedia tours, storytelling sessions, and downloadable trails.
National Gallery Singapore
Immerse the whole family in the world’s largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art. Over 8000 pieces from Singapore’s National Collection are on exhibit, dating from the 19th century to the present day. The National Gallery Singapore has a strong family focus, featuring the region’s first dedicated art education centre. Enjoy engaging programming, including story time, family-focused tours, art workshops, and activity guides to enhance your museum experience.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain
An architectural marvel, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao was designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry and is purpose-built in the town of Bilbao to showcase modern and contemporary art. Visitors of all ages will be captivated by the remarkable artworks on display.
Featured is Louise Bourgeois’ Maman, a giant spider-like sculpture that children can walk underneath, along with a fountain sculpture that randomly shoots out water and Jeff Koons’ 12m-tall Puppy, a floral sculpture resembling a highland terrier dog. Kids have a wide variety of activities designed to stimulate their creativity, including workshops, story and art time for younger children, and family trails.
MoMA, New York City, USA
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) opened in Manhattan in 1929, dedicated exclusively to modern art and showcasing over 200,000 works. The family activities at MoMA are designed to engage both kids and adults in fun interactions and conversations about art while they admire the extraordinary collection in this iconic museum. A well-crafted program for families includes special tours, art workshops, hands-on activity stations in the galleries, family films, audio guides, and the interactive Art Lab. The outdoor sculpture garden also serves as a popular area for children.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki, New Zealand
New Zealand’s largest art gallery, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki houses over 16,000 works. This gallery has an extensive collection of New Zealand art featuring works by Māori and Pacific Island artists, alongside paintings, sculptures, and prints from international artists.
Families can learn about New Zealand’s history through the artworks and participate in the gallery’s excellent programs. Family guides, art-making sessions, books, and games are available, not to mention holiday workshops and an excellent neighbouring park.
Vancouver Art Gallery, Canada
The largest art gallery in western Canada houses a significant collection of works by prominent Canadian artists – especially from British Columbia, featuring modernist Emily Carr. The Vancouver Art Gallery also boasts a large photographic collection, including works by Ansel Adams, Cindy Sherman, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Families are warmly welcomed at the gallery through weekly family programs that include art-making and detective activities.
Yayoi Kusama Museum, Japan
Having opened in Tokyo in 2017, the Yayoi Kusama Museum is dedicated to the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Kusama’s art is immersive and often interactive, making it an ideal way to introduce kids to art that excites and inspires them. The Yayoi Kusama Museum offers a printed worksheet and guide for kids to use while exploring the exhibitions.
Van Gogh Museum, Netherlands
It’s not an art education without an introduction to Post-Impressionist Vincent van Gogh. The world’s largest collection of his work is housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, showcasing more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters he penned. Featured artworks include landscapes, self-portraits, still lifes, and the renowned Sunflowers.
Children can engage through family-guided tours, a printed family guide, ‘Vincent’s Travelling Case’ assignments, treasure hunts, and children’s workshops.
