If your family is itching for a screen-free adventure where imagination takes the lead, ArtVenture at the Birmingham Museum of Art is your next must-visit destination. Designed especially for kids (and the grown-ups who love them), ArtVenture is a bright, welcoming, hands-on gallery where creativity isn’t just encouraged—it’s the whole point.
ArtVenture is completely free and open to the public, making it an easy win for families looking for a fun outing without the price tag. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4:30 p.m. (closed Mondays), this interactive space invites children ages 12 and under to explore, experiment, and express themselves through art.
The gallery is thoughtfully divided into two unique spaces that grow with your child. For the tiniest artists, the Sonat Gallery is a sensory dream. Designed for crawlers and toddlers, this area encourages exploration through light, color, texture, and movement. It’s the perfect place for little ones to safely discover the joy of art—sometimes for the very first time.
Birmingham Museum of Art
Older kids, ages 5-12, will gravitate toward the Hess Gallery, where creativity kicks into high gear. With more than 15 hands-on learning stations, kids can dive into activities that feel more like play than learning (but don’t tell them that). New additions include an interactive weaving wall, a stop-motion animation station, and a makerspace packed with rotating art projects—from printmaking to pottery. These stations are designed to help kids brainstorm, problem-solve, and connect art-making to their everyday lives.
Birmingham Museum of Art
One of ArtVenture’s standout features is its celebration of Birmingham’s creative community. The gallery regularly features exhibitions by local artists, showing kids that creativity lives right here at home—and that artists can make a real impact on their city. These displays change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover.
ArtVenture is built for small-group exploration, which helps keep the space calm, engaging, and fun for everyone. The museum asks for one attentive adult chaperone for every four children—and, while large groups can’t be accommodated in the gallery at once—families with bigger crews can still enjoy the museum with printed guides and kid-friendly scavenger hunts.
Whether your child is proudly clutching their first crayon or experimenting with new techniques, ArtVenture offers a low-pressure environment where creativity can truly shine. So, grab your little artists, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make, explore, and be inspired—because at ArtVenture, art is an adventure the whole family can share.