Museum Madness: 7 Family-Friendly Exhibits Opening in May
Rainy day? Though we love exploring the natural state in the springtime, central Arkansas offers plenty of indoor fun, too. In fact, there are seven great museum exhibits opening this month, and all are sure to be a hit for families. Your family can discover archeology and anthropology at the Museum of Discovery, engage with artwork from students around the state, examine the glass sculptural works from Dale Chihuly and more.
Now Open
53rd Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition at Arkansas Arts Center: Now in its sixth decade, this annual children's art exhibition showcases artwork by Arkansas students in grades K-12 with hopes to encourage learning, inspiration and creative expression in classrooms statewide. In 2013, teachers from 127 schools across Arkansas submitted 508 works for consideration. Of those, 102 works were selected for inclusion in the exhibition. Through July 27; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org. FREE!
Different Spokes at the Old State House Museum: This cycle-centric exhibit looks at bicycles in Arkansas over the years. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 1-5 p.m. Sun. For info: (501) 324-9685, OldStateHouse.com. FREE!
Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art at Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center: See student artworks chosen from a contest sponsored by the Arkansas Wildlife Federation and Creative Ideas. Through May 29; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tue.-Sat. & 1-5 p.m. Sun. For info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!
Opens May 17
Artwork of Dale Chihuly at Clinton Presidential Center: American artist Dale Chihuly is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. He is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations around the world in historic cities, museums, and gardens. May 17-Jan. 5, 2015; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $7, youth ages 6-17 $3, children under 6 are free. For info: (501) 374-4242, ClintonPresidentialCenter.org.
Design Zone at Mid-America Science Museum: What does it take to create a video game, line up rhythms like the best DJs, or design a roller coaster that produces the biggest thrills? Whether it is art, music, or engineering, it takes math and science to meet these design challenges. This exhibit takes visitors behind the scenes and see how video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers and other creative problem solvers use math and science. May 7-Aug. 10; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sun. through May 25; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun. Memorial Day-Labor Day. $10, kids 3-12 $7, under 3 & members are free. For info: (501) 767-3461, MidAmericaMuseum.org.
Opens May 24
Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches at Mid-America Science Museum: Opening Memorial Day Weekend, this exhibit takes visitors to seven ports of call along the most biologically diverse river in the world, the Amazon. Encounter piranhas, anacondas, stingrays and pink dolphins. Through hands-on activities, original multimedia presentations, computer interactives, storytelling, live fish in uniquely designed tanks, original artifacts, dance, music, and live demonstrations, families will investigate the region’s incredible biodiversity, encounter field researchers making incredible new discoveries, and participate in a celebration of the Amazon River. May 24-Aug. 10; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sun. through May 25; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun. Memorial Day-Labor Day. $10, kids 3-12 $7, under 3 & members are free. For info: (501) 767-3461, MidAmericaMuseum.org.
Mayan Medallion at Museum of Discovery: Clues are left behind by a ficticious archeological team that mysteriously disappears from a dig site in Palenque, Mexico. Visitors will immerse themselves in an archeological mystery and learn about an ancient culture, science, and language. Little Rock Family is a proud media partner for this exhibit. May 24-Sept. 12; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. & 1-5 p.m. Sun. $10, children 1-12 are $8, under 1 & members are free. For info: (501) 396-7050, MuseumofDiscovery.org.
Find more museum exhibits and events in our full online calendar.