One Sunday each month, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts hosts a Target Family Day that includes a wide variety of activities in the museum.  Admission to the museum is always free, as are the family day activities, and for yesterday’s “Art Smart” Louvre-themed day, Target generously sponsored free admission to the special Louvre exhibit.

As far as special family-oriented museum programs go, MIA’s is probably the best I’ve seen.  The programs are well-coordinated to the theme of the day, utilize many different areas of the museum, and include a variety of fine arts.  Moving through the museum to the various programs, my children made connections from one area to another:  the pyramids they made are like the pyramid that is the grand entrance to the Louvre.  While making their pyramids, pieces of art were projected onto a screen.  When we visited the Louvre exhibit, they recognized those works of art.  At the French class, the pyramids were discussed, as was the artwork from the exhibit.  In the drawing class, students used exhibit pieces as inspiration.  And at the opera, the music was connected to the art from the exhibit.  By the end of the day, my children had come into contact with important works of art several times, so that they will remember them.

We arrived just after noon and didn’t leave until just before the museum’s 5:00 closing.  During this time, we were busy with activities and seeing the Louvre exhibit.  When I later asked my children what their favorites were, each had a different answer.  “The mimes!” said the boys; the girls were a bit afraid of the Phantom of the Opera mime.  “Decorating the vases at the art cart,” said another child.  “Painting the plates,” was another response.  My favorite was the Parlez-Vous Art class, which had the children speaking an amazing amount of French in just 30 minutes, and involved even the young children in the workshop.

While moving from activity to activity, we explored the Art Institute.  The kids had picked up maps on the way in, and promptly led us around to all of the featured artwork shown on the map.  Their favorite was Van Gogh’s Olive Trees, which they recognized from an episode of Little Einsteins.

Staff and volunteers were friendly and helped the children with their projects as necessary.  For all of the activities, families could come and go as they wished.  A brochure outlining the day’s events showed the what, when, and where of everything going on.

The museum was busy but not overwhelmingly so.  For families with young children who needed a break from the action, the family center was available with toys, comfortable chairs, and a family restroom.

I’ve sometimes felt intimidated at art museums because I honestly don’t know a lot about art.  Family Day at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts makes art accessible to everyone, and I hope that by taking my children there while they’re young, they’ll develop an understanding and enjoyment of art as they continue their travels.

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