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Tips for Visiting with Kids

Explore!
You'll see things made by people from around the world and some from right here in Detroit. Some objects are thousands of years old, others are brand new, but they're all here because someone thought they were so important, beautiful or interesting that they should be shared with everyone.

Talk!
We love to hear people of all ages talking about art. Some people think they have to whisper in the museum. Not true-regular voices are fine.

Be casual!
You don't have to dress up to come to the museum-unless you want to. We suggest comfortable clothes and walking shoes, especially for kids. The building covers two city blocks and there are galleries on three floors, so you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Exercise your eyes!
The museum offers thousands of works of art, so it's easy to find something for the whole family to enjoy. For children younger than middle-school age, we recommend the following activity when visiting the museum:

Look for realistic paintings and sculpture with recognizable subject matter. Choose works of art that seem to tell a story that a child can try to figure out.

Ask!
If a child suggests something, ask, "What do you see in the picture that makes you say that?" Encourage the child to find evidence in the art for their answers-it's the best way to develop skills for viewing and interpreting art.

Sorry - no touching the art.
Instead, we invite everyone to exercise their eyes when walking through the galleries. Why? Lots of touching gradually changes the works of art, and our goal is to preserve the works for future generations. Because kids love to touch, we do have one special work of art they can get their hands on: Artie the Donkey. It's a great place to explain the "Please Don't Touch" rule.

Plan to come back again and again.
This is a big place and there's a lot that you won't be able to see in one visit. If you have a young child, think about making several brief visits. Purchase a membership and your visits are free. You'll also get our member's magazine with up-to-date information on programs, exhibitions and new works of art.

Where to eat?
Why not right here at the museum? The DIA's Kresge Court offers light fare for the whole family in a beautiful setting including the new CaféDIA. Or, if you want to explore Detroit's University Cultural Center, there are a number of options within walking distance or a short drive away.