Seeing the National Gallery through the Eyes of a Child
Not sure how to begin a visit with your littles? Follow these tips for enjoying the National Gallery as they grow!
The Railway (1873) by Edouard ManetNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Join us on a tour of the National Gallery and check out some of the best parts of the museum for kids of all ages!
Multiverse (2008) by Leo VillarealNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Age 0 to 1: lights
Newborns and infants see differently from many of us; fine details are less visible than lights and patterns.
A wonderful spot for young babies is under the lights of Leo Villareal’s Multiverse.
This walkway lined with shimmering LED lights is a mesmerizing sight for children and adults of all ages.
Age 1 to 2: mobiles and bright colors
In the NGA's East Building, modern and contemporary art is on display.
Alexander Calder's colorful works of art and spinning mobiles are located in the East Building's Tower 2.
Kids can enjoy the moving sculptures and vibrantly-hued images of animals and people!
Age 3 to 4: scavenger hunts
In the West Building, there are so many paintings with fascinating details to discover. Turn your visit into a game by trying to find objects, animals, and people in these famous works.
In this room, see if you can find a black cat, a white blanket, and a paintbrush!
Age 5 to 6: the Sculpture Garden
There is so much to explore at the NGA's Sculpture Garden. Kids can play in the garden while also discovering incredible works of art!
Do not miss Roy Lichtenstein’s House I, a great spot to play pretend.
Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's Typewriter Eraser, Scale X is a challenge to use your imagination. Where did this come from? What could it be? And most importantly, why is it so big?
For a moment of peace, visit Marc Chagall’s Orphée. Hidden in a secluded corner, it is a good spot for kiddos to rest after a long day of museum going!
Sit on the bench, read, and escape the hustle and bustle of DC.
Self-Portrait (c. 1630) by Judith LeysterNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Age 6 and up: sculptures and making their own art
Older kids may like to make some art of their own.
Check out Paint 'n' Play, three giant screens in the East Building Atrium designed for digital painting.
Kids can also paint at home using the National Gallery of Art Kids Art Zone app.
Finally, take your child to the Sculpture Hall in the West Building to see the dramatic and expressive works by Auguste Rodin and Edgar Degas.
Young Girl Reading (c. 1769) by Jean Honoré FragonardNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
There is so much for kids (and the young at heart) to do at the NGA. Visit us in person from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, or online at any time of day!
Some text by Austin Graff (@austinkgraff on Instagram), a travel writer, explorer, and social media consultant in Washington, DC.
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