Located near downtown Mesa, AZ, the Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY) is a fine arts museum with children in mind. The art galleries cater to kids and adults alike with changing exhibits that bring various forms of media to the museum, as well as a selection of art classes. For children under four, ArtVille is an extension of the museum that allows crawlers to toddlers to explore with giant crayons, paintbrushes, slides and in make-believe playrooms.
The changing art galleries often cater to general childhood predicaments such as a current exhibition on table manners. Whimsical and witty pieces examine the evolution of kitchen-related objects and the dinner table as a source of inspiration. Previous exhibitions have featured geographical locations, animal species and the immensely popular Jim Henson exhibit.
The classes range from one-day workshops to six-week sessions and include opportunities for children – and parents – to create edible art in the Kiddie Kitchen, lean basic music competency, making messy creations, explore sand and water and learn about colors and color blending. Courses for older children stretch into painting, cartooning and deeper studies on artistic styles.
The museum holds special events on holidays and holds a summer beach party to help families escape the heat. Children can celebrate their birthday at the museum as well with a number of themes including fairy tales, old west, jungle safari, little artists, beach party and pirates.
AMY has earned several awards including Best Museum for Kids from the Arizona Republic and the New Times, as well as a selection as one of the top six children’s museums in America by Family Fun.
The museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Sunday, and is very close to the Mesa downtown district that includes dining, shopping and the Mesa Arts Center – a destination for decidedly more serious art connoisseurs.
General admission is $5 for everyone over 1-year-old, and includes entry into ArtVille and any special gallery exhibits. Memberships begin at $50 and include unlimited admission among other benefits. More information is available at www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com.
Arizona Museum for Youth
[where: 34 N Robson, Mesa, AZ]
480-644-2467
