When You Arrive

The best way to begin your museum visit with children is to hang up your coats and put away any umbrellas or large bags. The Allen has coat hooks by the east entrance and umbrella stands by the front entrance. Lockers are available near the restrooms.

Museum Etiquette 

Go over these simple rules with children before you visit:

• Look, don’t touch! Even the cleanest hands have oils that may damage artworks.
• You may use a pencil when drawing or writing, but pens are not allowed in the galleries. Be prepared with pencils for your children.
• Walk—don't run—in the museum.
• Use indoor voices.
• Food, drinks, and gum are not permitted in the galleries, and we do not have a cafeteria or lunchroom. Plan to have snacks outside or before your visit.

Relax and Enjoy 

Try letting children guide you through the museum and show you what they want to see. Don’t feel you have to see everything in one visit—come often!

Ask Questions

Ask questions and share what you are looking at together. You do not need to be an expert to have a conversation about art. Relate what you see to something your kids are learning at school, something they have at home, or things you have seen in other places.

Stand Back

It is easier to see artworks if you stand back from them and give them space, and museum security officers will know that you are not touching objects.

Try Your Own Gallery Game:

• Be an art critic and choose a work of art in each gallery, explaining why you like or dislike it.
• Take turns telling stories about what is happening, and what might happen next, in the pictures.
• Hunt for simple shapes in the works of art, or animals, or colors.
• Think up titles for works of art.
• Sketch your own favorite works of art with a pencil.
• Make up your own game.

These guidelines are intended to enhance the experience for all visitors and are similar to those found in most museums. Those who violate the above guidelines may be asked to leave. The Allen Memorial Art Museum is a smoke-free facility.