At 9:00 a.m. the gray sky sits low and promises no sun for the day. Rain pounds the roof and drizzles down our front window for what feels like the 678th day in a row (an unseasonably wet summer). Thunder claps distantly. There is not a chance I will be taking my young children to the park or pool today.
What are we going to do?!
An idea strikes: the Birmingham Museum of Art! Two years prior my husband and I leisurely strolled exhibits on a date, but I had never thought to take my children before. I glance at the wall above our staircase, transformed into a gallery wall with the kids’ favorite works of art created with watercolors, chunky paints, markers, and crayons. Wouldn’t it be fun to show my budding artists—ages 3 and 5—some famous artwork right here in town?!
“I have a fun outing for us!” I cheer to my kids. We load into the car for a quick drive to downtown Birmingham and easily park in the free lot located behind the museum. Ninety minutes quickly pass while we admire Impressionist paintings, ancient vases, Native American art, and vibrant sculptures.
We spend a large portion of our time in the children’s spaces.
Two dedicated rooms exist for children—one for infants to preschool aged kids and the other for elementary aged children and older. Both provide hands-on activities to interact with art. In the younger room, for example, kids can stack tiles to notice colors, play “I Spy” with a work of art, and stretch rubber bands to create shapes. In the older room, kids can make a film with Lego people, color on vases, and make African drums. In the middle of the museum is a spot to create paintings on screens using figures from famous paintings.
When it’s time to go, I cannot believe I’ve lived in the Magic City for three years and this was the first time I’ve visited the Birmingham Museum of Art with my kiddos. I already can’t wait to go again!
Why you should visit the Birmingham Museum of Art with your children:
- Regular exhibits are free! Special exhibits, such as Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume running through August 18, require paid tickets ($10 for children ages 4-17 and $30 for adults), but everything else is free. The free admission even includes the children’s spaces mentioned above!
- Parking is easy and free. The museum has a parking lot behind it, so you can park free and close to the door (especially great when it’s rainy or hot).
- It’s a great learning opportunity. You have the chance to look at art from all over the world. You can discuss different countries, people, and customs. Art is celebrated in paintings, sculptures, vases, furniture, etc. It is creativity fuel for everyone!
- There are thoughtfully designed, hands-on children’s spaces. Did I mention these spaces are free?! They are clean and well maintained, too!
- Lunch is available in the museum. We didn’t eat at the cafe, Juniper at the Museum, but we will next time! The museum has partnered with Birmingham’s popular Juniper cocktail bar and restaurant to create an inviting space with tablecloths and flowers in the light-soaked atrium.
- They have a wonderful outdoor space. Weather permitting, you can enjoy the sculpture garden. This is a great place for littles to get some wiggles out, as well.
- It’s so fun! Whether you are an art novice, an art expert who can recite all the movements and styles, or just a parent who’s looking for a rainy day activity, you will be inspired.
Have you visited the Birmingham Museum of Art? What was your favorite part?
Your intro had me right away! And I wholeheartedly agree. I love taking my kids to museums. Just because it’s something targeted at an adult audience doesn’t mean there aren’t kid-friendly spaces or things that can interest them! (Albeit, we don’t spend as much time in some spaces, but I love exposing them to art, history, and all the museum things!)