High Art, Small Children
Is it ever too young to take children to a museum? Can a two year old appreciate, learn and respond to Rubens? What do your pre-school children get out of a museum? What do they want?
Is it ever too young to take children to a museum? Can a two year old appreciate, learn and respond to Rubens? What do your pre-school children get out of a museum? What do they want?
October 25th, 2007 at 12:01 am
I recently took my two and a half year old son to see ‘The Crack’, as well as a new word added to his vocabulary he enjoyed the space of the Modern and was facinated along with his friend as to what was actually in ‘The Crack’.
I have introduced art to my three children at very young ages, my daughter learnt her colours through Piet Mondrian, I belive galleries give famillies an opportunity to see art from a childs perspective. My four year old son recognises Stubbs and will happilly flick through a book of his paintings.
Our favourite gallery is the Tate Britain ‘love the art trolley’.
March 31st, 2008 at 12:06 am
My first excursion out of the house a week after my daughter was born was a trip to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Mainly for my own pleasure, I admit, but I was proud to bring her to an art gallery as an infant. At 3 months, she loved the colours and patterns of contemporary art. Now a year old, she likes pointing at sculptures and paintings of animals… just the other day she pointed at a painting of cows and said ‘dog!’. (Well, all animals are dogs right now!) I think its wonderful to bring young children to art galleries, even if only for a short visit. They love shapes, patterns and colours. I hope my daughter will learn her colours from Mondrian, too.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I take my daughter, Eve, along to all the museums, galleries and exhibitions in London, and have done since she was a baby. She’s now 18mth. Keeps me sane and she loves it - really responds to colours, faces, animals in paintings, and waves at statues (?).
I’m delighted you’ve got Dulwich Picture Gallery nominated for your 2008 Kid Friendly award. It really is the easiest for tots - they don’t mind the noise, they’re cool with Eve toddling up and down the gallery, and for variety she runs round in the very kid friendly gardens. Cafe’s very tot (and parent) friendly too. They have some really good events and art classes, specifically for kids. We always feel welcome taking Eve along to grown-up events too - even the carol service last Christmas.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
My eldest grandson, 3, was sick in the crack having previously bumped his head fairly soundly. My eldest grand daughter, 6, danced the length of it and declaired it really good. We are all waiting to see what the floor will look like when it is filled in ! However, if you want child reaction go and see the Munoz. The figures are so life like that they really inspire children to comment. Took Josie,6, to tate britain and sat happily whilst she drew various paintings, stretched out on a comfortable bench. No such luxury in tate britain, small benches and too many people put budding artists off ! However , the wobbly bridge makes up for many shortcomings !
April 8th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I think these testaments to the value in taking small children to see high art are tremendous. It shows not only how engaging it is for them, but how much more engaging it becomes for us. When I take my younger children to an exhibition with me, it’s like going with a pair of extraordinarily different eyes as well as my own. I learn more, and they learn alot. As long as the museum or gallery welcomes them.
Watch this website for further news about how Kids in Museums is going to encourage young children to visit museums.
warmest
Dea Birkett
Director
Kids in Museums