On May 17 the traditional Night at the Museum event will take place across the country. On this day museums not only offer special programs but also stay open until late in the evening. Some even stay open until morning! Is it worth going to a museum with children to take part in the event? Which activities are suitable for families? Answers in this article.
Event features: What should parents consider?
Night at the Museum has been held in museums for many years. The event is talked about in the media and traditionally attracts many participants. Visiting a museum in the evening or even at night is an unusual experience in itself. Museums also often offer exclusive programs available only on this day. \r\n\r\nNevertheless, despite all the benefits of the event, there are a few points to consider, especially if you plan to go with children. \r\n\r\n1. Most programs are suitable for children of middle and high school age. Programs for younger schoolchildren and preschoolers also exist, but they may take place during the day. Yes, not all museums will be open late in the evening.\r\n\r\n2. Popular museums can have queues, sometimes very long! If possible, it is better to buy tickets online in advance. And be sure to check the visiting conditions and opening hours. In some places admission may be free, but you may still need to get a free ticket at the ticket office. And in other places additional registration will be required. All information is usually available on the museum's website or in its official social media group.\r\n\r\n3. Check the weather forecast, especially if you will have to stand in line. Make sure to bring a snack and possibly some toys. You can think in advance about how to keep your child occupied while waiting in line.
What do museums offer families?
I studied websites and social media groups, spoke with colleagues, and am sharing examples of such programs. This year's theme is Heroes!
The museum invites visitors to the event from 18:00 to 23:00, free admission. In the museum courtyard, there will be workshops for children (5+): you can make paper wigs to better immerse yourself in the gallant 18th century at the exhibition “1775. Triumph of Catherine. Public and Private” and create avant-garde collage-postcards inspired by the exhibition “Images of the Melnikov House”.
At the Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve, events are suitable for children aged 6 and up. The program includes an interactive session with service dogs “Helpers of Heroes” and a quest game “Under the Sign of the Red Cross” about the history of medical workers. The event will run from 20:00 to 23:00, tickets from 100 rubles. \r\n\r\nAt the “Kosmos” Museum in Nikulskoye the entire program is designed for families: a quest, film screenings, workshops, and even meditation!
The museum will join the event on May 15 and 18. On Thursday, May 15, from 10:30 you can join the sessions (6+). For example, about how a theater is organized and who works in a museum.
The museum has prepared a special program that will interest older children. It starts on May 17 at 16:00. The program includes an interactive tour, a workshop, treats, and an audio play.
At the A.S. Pushkin Museum-Reserve “Mikhaylovskoye” all events will be dedicated to the history of the Pushkinogorye region during the Great Patriotic War and its postwar restoration. The program is suitable for children over 12 years old: a lecture about the fate of the museum during the Great Patriotic War and a workshop “Flower of Victory”.
This year the Night at the Museum program is dedicated to the Far East traveler Kirill Shebeko and Georgy Nissky's journey to the Far East; events are aimed at teenagers aged 11–12. Expect art workshops, a lecture, and the presentation of a new walking route.
