This event took some planning which I botched. I planned to be at VMFA when they opened which is at 10am (daily). My kids were to have had breakfast and a heavy snack before we arrived. That way we had a couple of hours before they were “dying of hunger” Unfortunately I could not find anything appropriate to wear in the crazy heat to wear so we got there about an hour later than I planned.
On the car ride we took the time to discuss museum ettiquette. No running, stay together, no touching, no pointing and we use our inside voices at all times*. You look with your eyes and hands by your side. (I do not tell my kids to keep their hands in their pocket. Do you know what happens when you trip and fall and your hands in your pocket? You fall on your face. Take my, “I have 5 kids”, word for it.
I opted to pay $3 for parking in the covered garage. I knew it would be easy and close and with this crazy heat I’ll take the shade. If you are museum member the parking is free. I had my double stroller and my 2yo WAS NOT ALLOWED OUT! But he did whine, “let me OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!” the whole time*.
As you enter VMFA you are handed a museum guide. My son took charge of that which upset his sisters so we had to get a couple more. Unfortunately the collection my son was most eager to see is not yet installed (Ancient Collection – Greek, Roman and Egyptian). I took a moment to get my bearings and figure out the most family-friendly route. There is a family guide in the main hall which I grabbed for next time. My kids were so excited by the large sculpture in the hall, Splotch #22 by Sol Lewitt, and it was a great time to do a quick “do not touch” reminder. They also loved looking through the large glass windows out to the sculpture garden.
Our first exploration was into the Focus Gallery where the exhibit “Matisse, Picasso and Modern Art in Paris: The T. Catesby Jones Collections at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the University of Virginia Art Museum” is temporarily visiting. I showed them how to read the information by each piece. My son tried to read everything but the girls were moving at a much faster pace. What I found most interesting is that the kids were very keen to know what media was used for various pieces. On the other side of the Focus Gallery is the art classrooms and an incredible Lego mosaic by Richmonder Brian Korte (@brickworkz). According to Brian the mosaic is made up of 50,000 LEGO parts, 1,320 signatures, 6 colors! 
After backtracking through the Focus Gallery we headed up to the 2nd Floor where my kids were enthralled by the Native American collection and the Late 20th Century-Early 21st Collections. From the concrete uses of the Native American items to the more abstract of the modern pieces they were intrigued by the idea of things that seemed so common yet foreign. My kids were confused by the furniture currently in the Marble Hall but it was a great opportunity to discuss what is art and why we all have different thoughts and reactions to what we see. The only time Little Dude was calm was pointing out the various animals when we wandered through the English Hunting Animals exhibit.
We made it through the First and Second Levels in an hour and a half. They were hungry and Little Dude was about to lose his mind. There was no way I was going to take on more. But they are eager to go back and see the rest especially as the other collections are in place.
When I was at the VMFA I checked-in on Foursquare and posted to Twitter. By doing so you can discover tips that others have left and also get great suggestions from frequent VMFA visitors. @iknowtiffany sent me a message about the Education Resource Room in the Pauly Center which across form the Museum through the Sculpture Garden. Not only is this where many classes are held but there are toys, puppets, books and free posters. My kids loved it and it seems like the perfect rainy day hideaway.
The VMFA has an incredible number of classes for all ages, my kids wanted to sign up immediately, which are discounted for members. If you include the savings in parking a membership to the VMFA is a great deal!
Rating: 3 1/2 kids. My 2 yo really was tough. My 3yo did OK but a couple of hours was pushing it. For my 3 older kids, ages 6-8, this is a great outing. It was wonderful to enjoy each other’s perspectives and opened up the opportunity for some great conversations. And for me, that’s what art and time with my kids is all about.
Rating system is based on how much each child enjoyed it and how well I managed to hold up during the experience.
Still time to take advantage of
Educational Resource Room
Exploration Station
Tiffany Color and Light
Explore the art of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Join us before or after you tour the galleries to make an original craft inspired by Tiffany works.
Jun 7 – Aug 13
Fridays, 11 am – 4 pm | Free
All ages (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult).
No registration required | Walk-ins welcome
Located in the Pauley Center Educational Resource Room
Capacity: 35 (If the class is full, please wait in the lobby or return at another time.)
