Fun for All Ages with the National Gallery of Art’s Art Zone

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. is renowned for its collection, as we’re all aware. But there’s now even more to be excited about, both inside and outside the museum. Our Head Director of the Art Docent Program, Amy Scherschligt, recently got to experience the NGA’s magic firsthand on a trip to D.C. Aside from some awesome photos with a Modigliani and a delicious-looking Theibaud piece (both artists featured in various levels of our curriculum), she also brought back news of some of the NGA’s programs geared towards getting kids more engaged with their works, and in their own creativity.

*Art Docent Program Head Director Amy Scherschligt visits this Modigliani piece in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Image c/o Amy Scherschligt.*

While the National Gallery of Art focuses on getting kids excited about their art while onsite (see their crayon-friendly, downloadable Family Guides, meant “to open up the museum’s secrets” online or in the galleries, recommended for kids age 6 and up), they also have resources designed to get kids psyched about art before they even set foot in the museum. Enter the NGAkids Art Zone, an online interactive space just for kids featuring a fun variety of interactive art-making tools that allows users to explore their creativity.

According to the NGA’s website, the Art Zone features “a variety of art-making tools that encourage exploration and creativity” with their digital and computer-based activities “suitable for all ages.” Kids can play online or download the NGA’s app for Apple or Windows, and there’s also a version designed for iPads.

*You can interact directly with the faces featured in some American art in the FACES interactive from the National Gallery of Art. Image c/o the National Gallery of Art.*

Kids can play with an interactive dollhouse inspired by 17th-century Dutch art, or create a jungle or tropical landscape inspired by the art of Henri Rosseau. More interactives also include one focused on places, inspired by American art, one focused on introducing kids to digital photography, and an interactive where kids can create a seascape out of pictures of found objects, among many more. Each interactive gives users an introduction to art or art history through digital, hands-on play.

*You can play with an interactive, 17th-century-inspired dollhouse at the Art Zone. Image c/o National Gallery of Art.*

Whether you’re there in person or psyching kids up for a future trip online, there’s now a way to get more (digitally) hands-on than ever before. Check out the Art Zone today and get excited about the National Gallery of Art before you even set foot in the building!

Here are a few more photos from Amy’s trip to the National Gallery of Art. Which of these paintings is your favorite?