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 Check Museum Reviews from ArtKids every month for a new exhibition review of shows that will appeal to your family |
Art Adventures in the New York City:
Where to take your kids this Spring
Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Ave), Charles Addams's New York, until June 8, 2010. For ages 5 and older
This is a small and charming exhibit that introduces visitors to the humor and sharp observation of Charles Addams. You will appreciate his cartoons of New York City the way Addams liked to see it. We remember him as the creator of the Addams family and these quirky characters are certainly represented here by a few drawings collected into a small room within the gallery along with some curious artifacts that belonged to the artist (hint: look for the armadillo).
Jewish Museum (1109 Fifth Ave at 92nd St.), Curious George Saves the Day: the art of Margaret and H.A. Ray, until August 1, 2010. For ages 2 - 10
Curious George, the beloved character of most 4 year olds was the creation of a husband and wife team whose own adventures and escape from the Nazi-occupied France inspired the whimsical stories of this lovable monkey and his human friend. Kids will find other stories here as well such as that of a cute penguin Whiteblack. The museum has very cleverly set up a reading room where kids will find themselves under water and sitting on crocodile shaped cushions while perusing through the many publications by the authors.
Museum of Art and Design (2 Columbus Circle), Dead of Alive, until October 24, 2010. For all ages
This museum should be on everyone’s art radar. Since it’s opening it has presented some of the most intriguing and awe-inspiring art works by some of the most important contemporary artists working today. This new exhibit will certainly excite children with its fantastical creations by artists such as Tim Hawkinson. Dead or Alive presents works made of natural materials: feathers, silkworm cocoons, insects and such that become wondrous creatures and creations filling the galleries of the museum. This exhibit is part art, part scientific exploration, and part political statement.
Kids, especially those older than 6 years old, will delight in seeing vicious monsters and goblins battling Japanese heroes and warriors, those precursors to super heroes. Kuniyoshi was an expert in portraying action and dynamic story-telling as well as using subversive imagery in a humorous way even the youngest will appreciate.
The Discovery Center (Times Square), King Tut NYC, until January 2011. For ages 6 and older.
The boy Pharaoh returns to New York after a 30 years. This is very exciting and all those little Egyptologists will be thrilled to come and see 130 artifacts that were either discovered in his tomb or preceed his reign and introduce Ancient Egyptian life to us. Tickets are pricey and it probably pays to visit on a weekday. If you don’t go with someone who can show you around, do rent an audio guide.
I would suggest taking your kids to this part o f the Biennial, located on the 5th floor of the museum. Here you will find quintessential Biennial works of the past exhibits that are still relevant today and very much engage the viewers. Don’t miss Claes Oldenburg’s Soft Toilet (1966) or Duane Hanson’s Woman with Dog (1977). You will never tire of walking around these works and appreciating the simple ingenuity and humor of the artists.
ARTKIDS is open to kids 3 1/2 to 12 years old. Children younger than 5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To register for classes click here.
Email Natasha Schlesinger
