National Museum Cardiff (NMC) is redefining the way children interact with art and culture, transforming visits into enriching educational experiences. With a focus on engaging families, the museum invites children as young as two to explore its diverse collections, proving that galleries can be both entertaining and educational.
A Journey Through Art and Discovery
Neil Osborne and his daughter, Daisy, a spirited three-year-old, are among the many families discovering the joys of art at NMC. On their second visit, they navigate from the captivating dinosaur exhibits to the tranquil art galleries upstairs. While Daisy is enthralled by the prehistoric creatures, she finds herself equally fascinated by the works of renowned artist JMW Turner. When asked about her impressions of a painting depicting tumultuous waves, she simply states, “A fish.”
This blend of play and art appreciation raises an important question: Can young children truly learn from their time in galleries? To explore this, I visited NMC to gather insights from parents and museum staff about the educational potential of art for children under five.
Nurturing Curiosity Through Engagement
Catrin Rowlands, who transitioned from a 24-year teaching career to become the head of learning at NMC, believes in the transformative power of art. NMC is part of a network of seven national museums in Wales, dedicated to providing educational programmes outside traditional classrooms. The museum’s extensive collection ranges from ancient fossils to impressionist masterpieces, designed to captivate young audiences.
At the heart of NMC’s educational offerings is the Mini Wonders programme, a collaborative initiative with Art Fund and Nesta. This fully funded eight-week course is aimed at families from disadvantaged backgrounds, encouraging children aged two to four to explore art in a supportive environment. The programme aims to build confidence in both children and their parents, making them more comfortable in the museum setting.
“Every engagement with the museum is a learning engagement,” Rowlands emphasises, highlighting the dual purpose of fun and education. Within the learning centre, children are provided with digital cameras, allowing them to document their experiences and create scrapbooks filled with their artistic explorations.
The Role of Play in Artistic Exploration
Former NMC employee Emma Kempster and her son, Sebby, epitomise the joy of museum visits. Regular attendees, they start their journey with the dinosaur exhibits before moving on to the art galleries. Emma notes that while Sebby finds the quieter atmosphere upstairs a bit eerie, he enjoys the change of scenery. “We look out for dogs in the paintings, things like that,” she shares, emphasising the playful nature of their exploration.
Creative carts filled with art supplies and bilingual books are strategically placed throughout the galleries, encouraging spontaneous artistic expression. Rowlands mentions that these resources are regularly replenished, allowing children to engage with their surroundings creatively. “It’s part of the memory, isn’t it?” she says, with a glint in her eye.
Throughout the year, NMC hosts various events for young children, including sketching classes and themed paint-alongs inspired by famous artists. These activities not only promote creativity but also foster language development and emotional expression, crucial components of early childhood learning.
Encouraging Lifelong Learning
Mothers like Rhian Evans appreciate the opportunities that museum visits provide for their children. She recalls bringing her daughter, Cari, to NMC when she was just a baby. Now, she finds the museum well-suited for young children, filled with engaging activities that stimulate learning. “If we come here, I think there’s a chance she’ll learn something as opposed to just throwing balls around,” Evans remarks, reflecting a common sentiment among parents seeking enriching experiences for their children.
The museum’s commitment to fostering a love of art in young visitors is evident. As children interact with their environment, they develop a sense of curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Why it Matters
The initiative at National Museum Cardiff highlights the importance of integrating art into early childhood experiences. By creating a welcoming environment where children can explore, play, and learn, museums can play a pivotal role in shaping young minds. This approach not only nurtures creativity but also lays the foundation for lifelong learning. As families engage with art, they foster emotional connections and critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the museum walls, enriching their lives and the communities they inhabit.
