IIt all started at the Royal Academy. I was trying to see Kerry James Marshall’s magnificent and original paintings, but almost failed. My toddler was trying, and mostly failing, to walk around the gallery space without bumping into anyone’s feet. It got me thinking when he threw a toy pig, like a bowling ball, under a low string fence that had been set up to keep a safe distance between us and the canvas. “Is it possible to have small children and art at the same time?” For example, was it selfish of me to choose RA over Young V&A? What can we do to make gallery-going a happy and stress-free experience for both of us?
These are just some of the questions I hope to answer through this series that explores joy and danger (just imagine If one of Piggy’s trotters had stabbed KJM) into introducing art to knee-high people. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be visiting galleries, museums, immersive exhibits, and sculpture parks with my toddler. Some of them were directed at him, others were… well, directed at me. Along the way, I’ll share my thoughts, his reaction, key strategies and notes on buggy access, children’s menus, entrance fees, and changing facilities.
According to research commissioned by the Arts Fund in 2024, 92% of UK parents believe that visiting museums and galleries is beneficial for their children. However, 45% think some quiet halls are unwelcoming for children, and 68% have felt judged for bringing their children. Just over half of parents surveyed said they were worried that their children might run around and hurt something.
Understood. I was told that just the other day – and it was true. said – I did so to hold my son’s hand in the museum, his small, squirmy hand inevitably wriggling free. One friend abandoned a video installation he had bought tickets for because the man complained that his young child was getting in the way. Another woman described a recent trip to Tate Britain with her difficult-to-hug toddler as a high-intensity workout.
So isn’t the problem the attendant worry, the possible embarrassment, the physical torture, the sheer agony? fear Is it really worth it?
yes! I think I hope. It’s not just because I want to spend time with art. On days when childcare is not available, my son comes wherever I go. Admittedly, on a completely selfish level, I’d rather paint than sleep over, and I don’t feel completely relaxed in a noisy play cafe. I admit I’m no joiner – poor child, you might be thinking, for the love of God, take the boy to the rhymes of time! But checking out the art on offer across the country is just as much fun for him and even more fun for me.
What is important to me is that he feels at home in our national institutions (which, by the way, are often free). Research shows that if you visit a museum with your family as a child, you are more likely to become a long-term visitor. And there are benefits to learning, mental health and wellbeing.
Thankfully, things have changed 20-odd years ago, when former Guardian columnist Dear Burkett and her twins were escorted to the exit by RA after one of them saw an Aztec carving and shouted “Monster! Monster!” with glee.
“I thought I was the smartest woman in the world,” she tells me. “Here I was with my two-year-old looking at pre-Hispanic art, and I bent down and said, ‘Yes, yes, it’s like a monster,’ and the gallery assistant told us to leave because it was too loud.” This experience led her to found Kids in Museum, a charity dedicated to making cultural institutions more welcoming to families.
Historically, museums may have been places of quiet contemplation and static exhibitions. However, there are now more venues catering to children, especially those under five, and children, along with adults, make up a large part of the weekday audience. Last year, Brighton & Hove Museum worked with Sussex Baby Lab to create a trail based on eye-tracking technology and head cameras to uncover what young children are most attracted to during cultural visits. And London’s Dulwich Picture Gallery has opened its new Artplay Pavilion, the centerpiece of a £5 million refurbishment, complete with bridges and swings inspired by paintings in the collection.
Building on the 2024 research, Art Fund launched Kids Aloud, a scheme that encourages children to visit museums and galleries and be as active as they like within a two-hour window. If you look in your area, there should be products for kids. A quick Google search turned up a long list including Art Baby at the Whitworth in Manchester, Toddle Tours at MK Gallery in Milton Keynes and Art Rebels at Turner Contemporary in Margate.
The problem is, I want Are you thinking of something for kids? Or do you want to take your son to an exhibition he’s always wanted to see? Am I looking for education, entertainment, or both? iPad What happens when you leave behind and discover art on a screen? Could an outdoor sculpture park be the answer to a day of art that doesn’t require constant coddling and scooping? Speaking of which, how on earth can you plan when young children are so unpredictable?
Back at the RA, I sheepishly told the nearest gallery attendant about the toy pig that was locked behind a string. I wanted to tell him that I am both a mother and an art critic. I didn’t.
He followed me across the polished wood floor, then knelt down and peered into one of the metal grilles (my son loves dancing on it) and unfortunately told me he didn’t know how to get it out.
“Not there,” I said. “There” I pointed behind him to the base of the painting, which was fortunately unharmed.
“Oh, I understand,” he replied. “Those strings are just for show.”
Tips for surviving when visiting galleries and museums with small children
snacks, lots of snacks
Time your time wisely (naps, mealtimes, rush hour, whatever)
#toddler #threw #toy #pig #piece #inspiration #guide #kids #gallery