On the Second Saturday of each month, the Allentown Art Museum offers early access to the galleries for visitors seeking a calming experience. From 10 until 11 a.m., modifications are made to the Museum’s environment, such as dimming lights, offering free sensory kits, and providing access to a Calm Space to read or contemplate with a view of the Arts Park. Sensory Saturdays are intended for children aged 5-16 and their families but are open to all visitors who want to experience the galleries in a different way.
Visitors exploring Museum galleries
In addition to early access to the Museum’s galleries, Sensory Saturdays include early access to the ArtVentures program in Art Ways Interactive Family Gallery, a drop-in artmaking workshop for all ages. During Sensory Saturday artmaking hours, a variety of materials and projects will be available to choose from. Activities and materials will change each quarter. Artmaking will be available on a drop in, first come first served basis.
Program Schedule | 10-11 a.m.
Sensory Hour in the Museum Galleries
Explore the Museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions on the first and second floors. Learn more about our current exhibitions here. View the Sensory Hour Gallery Map here.
Calm Space in the Rodale Classroom
Visit the Rodale Classroom to take a break, sit down, and enjoy a quiet environment. The Calm Space features white noise, low lights, and projected sensory videos. Puzzles, games, books, and coloring materials are available for self-guided play.
Sensory Saturday Artmaking Hour in the Crayola Classroom
Participate in sensory friendly artmaking in the Crayola Classroom led by our team of museum educators. Explore our STEAM-based maker stations and Sensory wall in addition to hands-on activities. Learn more about Art Ways here.
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- Calm Space in the Rodale Classroom
Resources:
Learn about areas around the Museum, recommended pathways to walk the galleries, and the most exciting areas to see on your visit.
Learn what to expect from a visit to the Museum, from entering the front doors to checking in, exploring the galleries, making art in the classroom, and leaving the Museum at the end of your visit.
Self-Guided Tour
Embark on a self-guided tour of the Museum. See several artworks in the Museum’s New American Galleries and explore the elements, principles, themes, and symbols in each work.
Mindfulness Walk
Take a calming, mindful journey through the Museum’s galleries. Learn about a few of the artworks and practice simple mindfulness exercises and activities.
Sensory Kit
AAM’s Sensory Kits provide a rich variety of fidgets, stim toys, gallery activities, and resources for visitors. These kits include ten different kinds of stim toys, gallery texture cards, and self-guided gallery activities.
Visitor Policies and Gallery Rules
During Sensory Saturdays, our standard visitor policies will be in effect. A full list of gallery rules are available here. Please read over these policies before arriving at the museum.
- Please help us protect our artworks by keeping at least two feet from the walls and artwork, and don’t touch the art. Oils and acids on our hands can damage an artwork over a period of years.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Nonessential bags and backpacks must be stored in the Museum’s free lockers.
- Please enjoy food and drink before entering the Museum. Food and liquids, including beverages, putties, clays, or slime, are not permitted in the galleries and may be stored in the Museum’s free lockers.
Please contact mmakowski@allentownartmuseum.org with any additional questions.