Family Programs
Autumn is a great time to bring the whole family to the Saint Louis Art Museum for art-inspired fun! Enjoy free art making activities, tours, artist demonstrations, and performances every Sunday afternoon. Each month's activities focus on a different family-friendly theme.
Family Sundays are supported by Macy's.
Drop-in Art Activities
Sundays, 1:00–4:00 pm
Sculpture Hall. Free.
These hands-on art activities are designed to engage budding artists of all ages.
Family Tours
Sundays, 2:30 pm
Meet at the Information Center. Free.
Join us for a lively, 30-minute gallery walk that introduces you and your family to amazing artworks in the Museum.
Family Performances
Once each month you can catch something special on Family Sundays—a storyteller, an artist's demonstration, or a musical performance. Check under each month's theme for details.
September, 2009
Renaissance Riches
Young ladies and lords of the court are invited to visit the Museum on Sundays in August to create
art inspired by the Museum’s collection of European art to 1800. Design a coat of arms, construct a knight’s helmet, and enjoy a tour fit for royalty.
September 27: Tales of Spider and Thunderbird
On this special day, hear tales of chivalry and learn the secrets of armor from a real knight. Enjoy Renaissance-era music and dance with the fair maidens of Quintessentia.And don’t forget to join the artisans in Sculpture Hall to fashion ornate
decorations to wear.
October, 2009
Autumn Arts
The air is getting cooler, leaves are changing colors, squirrels are hiding acorns, and the Museum is ready to celebrate the season with a month of fall art activities. Every Sunday in October, you and your family can see and make artworks using beautiful fall colors, explore autumn landscape paintings, and picture some of the creatures associated with the season.
October 25: Hayride Tours of Art in Forest Park
Bundle up and hop on a hayride wagon for an autumn tour of sculpture in the park. Museum tour guides will point out the sculptures and tell some fun facts along the way. Rides will last approximately 30 minutes. They are free and open to families with children 4 to 12 (no strollers). Space is limited; ride tickets will be given out on a firstcome, first-served basis on the day of the event and will be available at the Family Programs tables beginning at 12:00 pm. No more than five people per family.
November, 2009
Japanese Folding Fun
Visit the Museum to see the featured exhibition
Five Centuries of Japanese Screens: Masterpieces from the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. Then make your own folded screen and decorate it with animals and flowers of the seasons, scenes from stories, or calligraphy, and lots and lots of gold.
November 29: The Cherry Trees Along the Hidaka River
Bunraku puppet theater has been performed in Japan for over 500 years. The puppets have no strings but rely on one to three puppeteers dressed in black to make each character come to life. The story "Cherry Trees Along the Hidaka River" is a traditional Bunraku play inspired by a Japanese folk tale. In the play, a disappointed girl turns into a fiery serpent and ultimately destroys the imperial prince she loves. The Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe performs this Japanese play at 1:30 pm in the Auditorium.
December, 2009
Wintery Wonderland
Brrr—it's cold outside! Warm up inside the Museum with projects, performances, and treats for the whole family. This month we celebrate the joys of winter by exploring cool colors, winter landscapes, and joyful celebrations. Each week families can make a wintery work of art to take home.
December 6: Frosty Frosting
Sip hot cocoa while you join pastry chef Natalia Penchaszadeh in decorating tasty treats with wintertime flair. Eat your sweet masterpiece on the spot or take it home to give as a holiday gift.