Children 3-11 will love the new interactive space designed for them at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Located on the 81st Street entrance level in the old children’s library, The 81st St Studio has something enriching for children and caregivers alike. Seven interactive areas were designed by KOKO Architecture + Design, with the intention to inspire children to explore the connections between art and science, and will feature different materials on a rotating basis. Drop-in activities and self-directed-art-and science-making activities will be available during museum hours, along with a noncirculating children’s library with scheduled storytelling times led by Met staff, all free, no museum ticket purchase needed.
Each of the seven interactive spaces feature fun, brightly colored environments and very tactile and engaging activities that delighted my seven-year-old. He especially loved the music area with large and movement-friendly instruments, whose conception and design was led by Kip Washio of Yamaha. We will look forward to picking up a Met Field Guide next time, a packet of cool tools they offer that guides exploration of the Museum and Central Park. Can we go tomorrow he asks? I know there will be new things to discover each time we visit.
iPhone snaps Beth Horta for Sweet Sabelle.