( Image from the DMA website)This post was inspired by my previous trip to the Dallas World Aquarium and the Dallas Museum of Art (check out the post here) with my 2 1/2 year old son and my 14 month old daughter. I had wanted to take the kids to the art museum for while, but I kept putting it off, it was only when we were already downtown to visit the aquarium and so close the art museum that on the spur of the moment I said, "if they are still in a good mood after the aquarium lets go to the art museum too." I asked myself why I put off the art museum even though we have been to several zoos, the aquarium, a science museum etc and I still think it goes back to that feeling of the art museum not being a "family friendly" environment.
My kids like the art...I just fear the "art people" don't like kids. Of course they were fine and very well behaved, but we were the only ones with young children in the galleries which made us a bit of a spectacle. Everyone was nice, because they thought my children were cute, and I think it was a bit of an oddity to see a two year old talking about the different things he sees in the Wendy and Emery Reves Collection. But I was constantly afraid that one of them would throw a tantrum or yell or do some other "kid thing." At the zoo that is acceptable behavior...there are other kids around some of them are probably yelling, and if not at least you can just go stand by the monkeys!
I think sculptures gardens are often more kids friendly places because they are outside and the sculptures are touchable. You can read about one family friendly experience here, but I would like to investigate how the art museum could be a more welcoming place for children and families because as we have all heard many times before, art museums are struggling (I was even told this again as I was buying my ticket on Sunday) but zoos, aquariums, and science museums seem to be thriving ( I was also told this while buying my ticket on Sunday!)
When I analyze the art museum from the perspective of the family and specifically the 5 and under crowd I see some issues. Honestly I think the issues that apply to the 5 and under crowd probably apply to the adults who find the art museum or museums in general "boring."
I have written this from the perspective of a mom who loves art museums and would like to take her kids to more, I do not have any background in museum education. I would love the input of some of the "museum" people out there so start thinking about art museum spaces and early childhood/family learning...
I think art museums should try to engage the senses more, they already have sight (obviously), and taste and smell are both covered to some extent by the cafe although this could also be more kid friendly! (We specifically chose to eat at the aquarium restaurant because we already knew the DMA's cafe was not the most kid friendly environment.)
But what about touch and sound?
But what about touch and sound?
First the sound. For my children we can handle not touching the art, and not running, jumping, kicking etc....but it is a lot to ask to not shout out when you see something you are excited about. (We have this problem at the library too!) The total lack of noise in the galleries is unwelcoming and sterile to children and families. My son loved the exhibit "All the World's a Stage," his favorite part was hearing the music! Art museums have traditionally been a quiet, observational space rather than a space with music, conversation and dialogue. I think we should ask ourselves if we really want to retain this "quiet reverence" or if it is ok to make the space more welcoming by introducing some noise!
The second problem is there is nothing to touch! While I think kids 2 and up can handle the "no touching" RULE, they sure would like to touch something! Even adults would. I found my son was gravitating to the benches in the gallery more than the art work and I think it was just to have something to feel. We have two kids art books at home which have images of famous works of art and tactile objects attached to the work for the children to explore. It is amazing how much longer he will look if he can touch it at the same time. From an education standpoint I don't think this stops at age 5, I think even adults will look longer if they can touch something too. Of course ideally this would be in the form of art work that is "touchable," but museums have limited control over the artist's intention in creating their works. So it could also come in the form of creating manipulatives in the gallery space for people to touch while they are looking, I have seen books on a coffee table in the gallery before. This is a start but perhaps we could get more sophisticated with our touching (think science or history museum).
If you google "science museum" and check out the images that pop up about 1/2 of them show people and kids doing/touching something. Obviously there are concerns about they types of avtivities that can happen in a gallery space but is all touching out of the question?
If you google "science museum" and check out the images that pop up about 1/2 of them show people and kids doing/touching something. Obviously there are concerns about they types of avtivities that can happen in a gallery space but is all touching out of the question?
The aquarium used touch screens to deliver all of the educational information about the animals which was an interesting fusion of touch and technology. Also they were placed at a height where my son could reach them!
I realize there is some concern about people knowing what can and cannot be touched when you open up this can of worms, but I think you can make it clear. I have seen in natural history museums where they have touchable education exhibits next to art or artifacts and the art or artifacts have some type of rope or other barrier to show the distance away from the work you need to stand.
Again these are just my observations...what ideas or observations do you have?
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December 16, 2009 at 11:30 AM
I am of two minds about having young children in an art museum. I think that it is important to expose them to cultural artifacts. However, the environment in a museum isn't very suitable for them because of its "quite reverie" factor. It is my feeling that a museum patron should be able to expect a certain amount of decorum from her fellow museum-goers. Children will learn this by example of course, but as we all know, when you are very young time moves much more slowly. Especially when you have to be quiet and still. As long as a parent is considerate of other patrons, I think that its a great thing for everybody.
As a musician with many small nieces and nephews, I want to expose them to music, but the concert hall is sometimes not the best place. It is a lot to ask of a 3 year old to sit quietly and focus with a (relatively) subdued level of stimulation.
The idea of a museum environment/musical performance that is less constrictive is also appealing. I do think that this should be explicit though, and not just sprung on unsuspecting fellow patrons. A kids' day in essence (no goats allowed).
Jennifer gave a good and thoughtful example of how to expose young children to the museum. More people should do this.
December 16, 2009 at 1:09 PM
I would tend to agree with everything you said Chris, except the big question in my mind is do we really need or even want to maintain that "quite reverie." Maybe this is why art museums are suffering financially while other similar intuitions like aquariums, zoos, history and science museums are doing well.
December 16, 2009 at 1:22 PM
I think there is room for quiet time and less constrictive enjoyment. Introspection and meditation are an important part of the museum experience.
December 16, 2009 at 2:04 PM
That's true, before I had kids I enjoyed the quite of the gallery. I often would spend an afternoon sitting and sketching. But after having kids I have not been to an art museum for that purpose because I simply do not have that luxury. When I have free time I look for places our whole family can enjoy together and I think other people do the same. If we are interested in getting more people involved with the arts and with museums then I think we may have to rethink the spaces. If we maintain the status quo in the gallery then we can expect the status quo for the turnout of patrons.
December 17, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Great point Jennifer, I think if a museum wants to make a profit they should find a way to serve all of their patrons. I've noticed that some museums are bringing culture to the outside spaces, as you suggested in the sculpture gardens, so that families may attend. We need to expose children to art/museums at an early age and yes there should be places for children to touch and explore art. If a museum does not have this I would ask the museum curator why not? I know many museums are now offering workshops for children to create art, which also includes touring the museum. This would instill museum etiquette which is a necessity for our youngsters to know. I know when I would take my students on a field trip; we discussed everything about what is acceptable behavior within the museum. They need to know that different situations call for different kinds of etiquette. Many of the children shared the rules of museum etiquette with their parents who went on the field trip with us. They loved reminding them "Mom, you’re not allowed to touch sculpture” or “Dad, don’t lean against the walls”. I think they got a big kick out of it. I believe the DMA offers family nights at the museum. I hope more museums adopt the family philosophy.
December 18, 2009 at 8:20 AM
There is nothing more unfortunate than a kid being reprimanded for having fun in an art museum! There are tons of things museums can provide for families...gallery hunts, special tours (I think the amon carter has one for new moms), family days, all that stuff. Statistically, families are the largest audience for many institutions, so they are, like you all mentioned above, a key demographic!