Maryhill Museum of Art – A Family-Friendly Destination for Learning About Art, History and Local Culture
An art museum may not be the first thing that springs to mind when looking for an outing that satisfies the
curiosity of active kids, but Maryhill Museum of Art proves that museums top the list of family and budget-friendly places to engage the mind, bring passion to the heart and employ the hands.
“Learning is a lifelong process and we are committed to providing educational programs, resources and materials that inform and inspire visitors of all ages, especially children, says Carrie Clark, Maryhill’s
curator of education. Here are some of the ways that Maryhill makes children and their families feel welcome:
Self-Directed Activity Guides
Using these free guides, families and children of all ages can learn about the art on view by looking and posing questions as they explore the museum together. Activity Guides are available for both permanent and changing exhibitions. Young visitors who complete an activity book can show it at the front desk and
receive a free postcard.
EyeSEE Activity Room
This dedicated kid zone gives children a special spot to reflect, look at a book, create art, do a puzzle or study hands-on objects. The EyeSEE Activity Room also features kid-friendly exhibits, art work by kids from throughout the region, and opportunities to experiment with pigment and color using a light
table.
Family Fun Activities
Maryhill Family Fun Activities are inspired by the exhibits on view and provide kids with opportunities for hands-on art exploration. They are presented throughout Maryhill’s season and are designed exclusively with families in mind. Many are a part of a day filled with other events, so there is fun for
everyone. Children under 17 are admitted free to the museum with one paid adult admission for all Family Fun activities.
A full list of Family Fun activities in 2009, including photomontage, storytelling, basketry and more
Engaging Exhibits
Maryhill’s diverse collection means there truly is something for everyone, but several ongoing exhibits may be of particular interest to children. These include the museum’s exhibition of more than 100 chess
sets from around the world and the magical Theatre de la Mode, featuring small-scale mannequins attired in designer fashions of post-World War II France.
In the exhibit Hudson River School Sojourn, look for explanatory labels with a peacock mascot. These kid-friendly labels are questions that guide families and their children in looking at the artwork.
Expansive Grounds
After visiting the museum, get the wiggles out by exploring the park-like grounds. Diversions include the museum’s impressive collection of outdoor sculpture, picnicking or simply enjoying the beautiful views of the Gorge and Mt. Hood. The Maryhill Overlook, a site-specific sculpture by architect Brad Cloepfil, features a native plant garden highlighting plants collected by Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery on their journey in 1806. The garden also has interpretative panels on the history Maryhill Museum of Art, its 5,300 acre ranchlands, and regional attractions. A few miles east of Maryhill children and their families will delight in the museum’s Stonehenge Memorial, Sam Hill’s full-sized replica of England’s Stonehenge.
Budget-Conscious Pricing
Regular admission to Maryhill Museum of Art is $2 for children aged 6-16; admission for children under 6 is free. Maryhill’ “Free Pass” program makes visiting the museum even more accessible. Family members living in the same household (plus up to four guests) can visit Maryhill Museum for free by checking out a pass at libraries in Hood River, The Dalles, Parkdale, Cascade Locks, Goldendale, White Salmon, Stevenson, Hermiston, Moro, Arlington, Boardman, Condon, Baker City and Pendleton. In addition, children under 17 are admitted free to the museum with one paid adult admission for all Family Fun activities.
