When I was a child, it was a common belief amongst most grown-ups, that enjoying art was for adults only. Luckily for me, my parents didn’t share this belief, and many of my childhood sunday’s or vacations were spent visiting museums and small galleries. I remember visiting The Louvre for the first time when I was 8. I was introduced to the Mona Lisa and one of Degas’s ballerinas, which I have loved ever since. I remember the first time I saw a Jackson Pollock hanging at a museum in Los Angeles and my dad introducing me to one of his favourite art movements, American pop-art.

In my mind, kids and art make the perfect combination, and I never hesitate bringing my kids to a museum. I believe that exposure to art in all ways can expand children’s awareness of the world and the society we live in, and open up their minds to a more creative way of thinking and seeing things. Visiting a museum might not be the same experience when you have to watch out that little greasy hands don’t touch the paintings, but I don’t mind, as long as it means that I get to hear Eleanor’s literal interpretations of even the most abstract paintings or Alma’s outbursts of enjoyment when she sees a piece that really speaks to her. I always make sure to visit a museum when my kids are well-rested and have had a good lunch, we never stay more than two hours and if the museum has a children’s department this is where we’ll end our visit. Some museums even have a children’s tour program, and if they do, we’ll always go for that.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite museums (and a few we have been recommended, but still haven’t had the chance to visit ourselves) :

Museum of Modern art, New York (Don’t miss out of the small but fun children’s play area)

Louisiana, Humlebæk, Denmark (this museum has a wonderful children’s department where kids can get creative themselves)

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (take a look at their amazing family program to plan your visit)

Tate Modern, London (Prepare you child by visiting Tate Kids together)

Arken, Ishøj, Denmark (Every Sunday is Family Sunday with a lot of activities and an open creative workshop)

The Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (join in on a family tour or visit the Family Lab)

Palais de Tokyo, Paris, France (Remember to book online in advance, if you want to take part in one of their fun youngster activities)

Statens Museum for Kunst; Copenhagen, Denmark (The Children’s Museum of Art is open every weekend. Read more here)

Do you know of any kids-friendly museums we should add to our list?  We would love to know…

…And if you like the combo of kids and art as much as me, then check out this Instagram profile @rockthatmuseumkids, which shares great pictures of tiny art-watchers from all over the world.