It’s time for another Family Fun Day! I think that it is important to be aware of the wonderful community resources that are available to us in Northeast Ohio. We are a bustling community with lots to offer. From natural resources and parks, to theatres and museums, to sports stadiums and libraries, there is so much to explore. Our next installment of Family Fun Day is an amazing building that is always free to the public and has delighted visitors for nearly 100 years.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s Second Sunday Program
The Cleveland Museum of Art first opened its doors back in 1916. With its centennial year approaching, the museum has seen several expansions over the years and is being overseen by its 10th director. Located right at University Circle, there are over 43,000 works of art to explore. Gallery One, a recent expansion, fuses art with technology for a truly engaging experience. There is an area designed specifically for kids called Studio Play, which features lots of hands-on activities – something you rarely think of when you think of an art museum.
While museum admission is always free, be sure to stop by once a month for their Second Sunday program. Second Sunday features arts and craft projects and programs for all ages. They have a different theme every month, but you can see the themes in advance on the museum’s online calendar. On March 8th, the theme is “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and all activities and crafts are related to music.
Even if you cannot make it for a Second Sunday, the Cleveland Museum of Art is still worth exploring. Don’t forget – admission is always free!
Details:
Hours
- The museum is closed on Mondays. On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, the museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Wednesday and Friday, the museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- The Second Sunday program runs on the second Sunday of each month and is always from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Hours are subject to change on national holidays, so be sure to call before making plans.
Admission
- Permanent exhibits are free of charge! Temporary exhibitions may cost a few dollars. Public tours are also free and are offered daily at 1:00 p.m. (except Monday, since the museum is closed). In addition, a second tour is offered at 2:00 p.m. on the weekends.
Address
- 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone
- 216-421-7350. You can also visit the museum’s website for more information (http://www.clevelandart.org).
Tips
- Strollers are allowed in the museum, but “baby backpacks” are not.
- Bags, backpacks, purses, and umbrellas must be put in a locker or checked at the coat check.
- The museum is accessible through the east wing entrance. Listening devices are available and service animals are allowed, too.
- Basic photography and video-recording are permitted in most galleries without a flash. If you are unsure, ask an attendant.
- The Provenance Café is located on site and features lunch, dinner, and snacks. You can even watch the chefs make your food! The café closes half an hour before the museum.
Discussion Points
- Young children have a limited attention span, so do not plan on spending more than an hour at the museum. Otherwise, they will lose interest.
- Before going to the museum, talk with your children about how the museum is a place for an indoor voice.
- Remind them that while they can touch certain things, many things in the museum cannot be touched. Tell them why things cannot be touched so that they understand.
- Discuss the imagination and how it influences artists. Your child will probably notice a few things in the artwork that look different, like dogs playing a card game. Explain that artists are creative, too.
- Take pictures of artwork that your child enjoys. When you are home later, show the pictures to your child and encourage them to draw their own take on the artwork.
- For older students, have them guess what mediums were used to create the art.
- Ask your kids, “How does this painting make you feel? What does it make you think about?”
- If your child has questions, do not hesitate to ask an attendant. They are patient and will happily help your child. If your child has multiple questions, have them select only a few so that they attendant can help other families.
- Have fun!
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