Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum with Kids

0

Have you been to the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum with Kids? Always free admission and located in the heart of downtown Mesa on the Mesa Arts Center campus, it’s a bit of a hidden gem for families. 

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum with Kids
photo credit: City of Mesa

Exhibitions at the museum typically run for three months so it gives you plenty of time to make it down to their shows.

Best time to go to the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum with Kids

For our family, I avoid going to the exhibition openings with my children due to large crowds and our ability to fully enjoy the art. But, other families love the free opening night receptions (watch their events page for announcements on the next one).

How to go through galleries with kids

There are five galleries which feature local and international contemporary art, so there is always something to explore. Most people do not realize that this amazing museum is free to the public!

When first arriving I always encourage the kids to decide which gallery we will explore first, our options today were “American Dream”, “Arizona Catalyst”, “The Dogs of Ron Burns”, and “Bipolar.”

Once a child is interested or to get them interested in the art ask them questions about what they see: what accessories, what type of background, etc. Here’s an easy cheat-sheet PDF of prompts to get conversations about art started with kids.

What else to do with kids while at the Mesa Arts Center 

Don’t miss the Mesa Musical Shadows, it’s an interactive piece of sidewalk pavement that reacts to the shadows of passersby by playing sounds of singing voices. Kids love it! 

As visitors together explore different soundscapes with their shadows, they become part of a collective sound and body performance.

Where to find it: near the bus shelter on the north side of the Mesa Arts Center campus, facing Main Street. 

Once you’ve explored the arts center, there’s great dining for families along Main Street. Here’s our favorite, kid-friendly eats within walking distance of the Mesa Arts Center.

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here