Planning a Family Visit

Learn about the exhibitions that will be on view during your visit to determine what might interest you and your child. Please note that special exhibitions tend to be more crowded.

Talk about the kinds of things your child might expect to see in an art museum, such as painting, sculpture, photography, film, and installation.

Look into attending a Family Program on a weekend. If are visiting on your own, you might want to try to plan your visit for a weekday, when the Museum is less crowded. Try to come in the morning, when your child isn’t worn out from the day.

Be sure not to see too much in one visit. Depending on your child’s age, aim for thirty to ninety minutes.

Strollers and coat check
Baby strollers are permitted in the Collection galleries on the fifth floor. Special exhibitions may have restrictions that prevent the use of strollers in the galleries, except during our monthly Stroller Tours. To be sure, check the Visitor Policies page or ask a Visitor Services representative or a security guard.

If you have a small child or infant, we recommend that you bring a carrier, and collapse strollers to store in the coat check, located just behind the lobby information desk. Backpacks and large bags must be left in the coat check.

Restrooms
Women’s and men’s restrooms are located on the lower level and second floor.

Baby changing stations
There are baby changing stations in both the women’s and men’s restrooms, located on the lower level near the elevators.

Food
Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the Museum. Visit the Museum’s cafe for family-friendly snacks and beverages.

In the galleries
We often offer free family guides for families to use together in the galleries; please check with our Visitor Services staff in the lobby. Or, if you prefer to sketch on your own, please note that only pencils are allowed to be used in the galleries. Pens and other coloring materials should stay at home.