Just for Families
New! Sculpture Park Family Activity Kits this summer!
The success of the museum's Family Activity Kits has motivated DeCordova's Education Department to create kits specific to the Sculpture Park, and, thanks to the generous support of the Bessie Pappas Charitable Foundation and the Nathaniel Saltonstall Arts Fund, we are able to make these new kits a reality. Starting in early summer 2010, we will be unveiling five different Sculpture Park Family Activity Kits, each with a unique theme. The themes will be centered on: people and figures, animals and creatures, abstraction and shapes, materials and texture, and eco-friendly art.
The kits will include various art making materials and activities for families to do together. The kits are being designed based on Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory and in conjunction with a consultant from the Multiple Intelligence Institute who is working with the Education Department to develop innovative, effective, fun kits that will reach a wide range of learners.
Stay tuned for more updates!
DeCordova is proud to offer educational programming designed for families seeking to introduce their children to museum going and the art of seeing.
The Museum Visit Begins at Home
This Web site provides tips on preparing your children in advance for their visit to DeCordova, as well as suggested activities to keep them engaged in the exhibitions. To make the most of your visit, be sure to stop in at our interactive gallery, The Dr. Kenneth Germeshausen Art ExperienCenter.
Eye Wonder Family Programs at DeCordova
Come with friends and family to DeCordova and discover an ever-changing world of art! This monthly drop-in program focuses on "seeing" and "doing" and combines careful looking with creative art projects. After taking a family-friendly guided tour of one of our exhibits, visitors do hands-on art activities. This program is perfect for families with children ages 6 and up and is free with museum admission. Inquiries about upcoming Eye Wonder Family Programs should be sent to lthomson@decordova.org. Please include your name, address, and email address.
Sunday, June 6, 1-3 pm: Guest Artist Karen Ristuben
Sunday, July 11, 1-3 pm: Guest Exhibiting Artist Nadya Volicer
Sunday, August 1, 1-3 pm: Guest Artist Keith Johnson
Sunday, September 26, 1-3 pm: Guest Exhibiting Artist Leonardo Drew
Sunday, October 3, 1-3 pm: Guest Exhibiting Artist Douglas Kornfeld
Sunday, November 7, 1-3 pm: Guest Artist Martha Friedman
Sunday, December 5, 1-3 pm: Artist TBD
NEW! Story Hour for Families
Join story teller, Sally Kindleberger, as she tells tales in the Dr. Kenneth Germeshausen Art ExperienCenter. We will then move to the DeNormandie Library for snacks and an art activity. This drop-in program has been designed in conjunction with the Lincoln Library. It is perfect for families with children ages 3 - 6 and is free with museum admission.
Saturday, June 26, 10 – 11 am
Saturday, July 24, 10 – 11 am
Saturday, August 21, 10 – 11 am
Saturday, October 23, 10 – 11 am
Saturday, November 20, 10 – 11 am
Saturday, December 18, 10 – 11 am
Detail of installation titled Brain Storm by Nadya Volicer, 2009
Family Activity Kits
Check out our Family Activity Kit at the front desk of the museum. The free kit includes art making materials and activities that focus on current exhibitions. This is a perfect way for families to engage in contemporary art together!
Eye Tour
A cell phone audio tour for children ages 5 – 9 and their families is now available for several of the sculptures in the Sculpture Park! Using the convenient technology of your cell phone, you can listen to information about the art and artists and try to answer questions and solve mysteries as you make your way through the grounds. Look for the orange labels throughout the Park during your next visit to begin your tour. Ongoing.
Where to Find More Information
The Education and Tours section of our site contains the most comprehensive information about our programming and events, including organized tours and classes and workshops for all ages. Check the Calendar for a full listing of all special events.
