5 Reasons to Visit the Michener Art Museum with Kids

Are you thinking about visiting the Michener Art Museum with kids?

We love the Michener Museum! It’s a small art museum in the heart of Doylestown that is perfect for visiting with kids, thanks to its size.

With an outdoor sculpture garden, a space dedicated to kids, and interesting exhibits, this is the perfect place to introduce kids to art museums and what they are all about.

We’ve been visiting the Michener Museum since the kids were 6 and 9, and they’ve enjoyed each visit. And, since it’s right next to the Doylestown Library and Mercer Museum, there are plenty of things to do nearby to make a fun day out.

The guide below shares everything you need to know about visiting the Michener Museum in Doylestown with kids. So, let’s dive in!

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Michener Museum of Art Location and Parking

Located across the street from the Mercer Museum and next to the library in Doylestown, the James A. Michener Art Museum is an easy drive from anywhere in Bucks County.

Although the museum address is 138 S. Pine Street in Doylestown, visitors will want to park at 150 S. Pine Street, next to the library. You can also park along the street in front of the museum for FREE.

Hours and Admission to the Michener Art Museum

The Michener Museum of Art is open varying hours Wednesday-Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and Major Holidays.

Admission ranges from $5-$15 depending on age, however, children under 6 are FREE!

5 Things Kids Will Love About the Michener Museum

1. The Interesting Building History

Did you know the Michener Museum used to be a prison?

Built in 1884, some of the core structures are still in place today. You can see parts of the old prison as you enter the museum and walk around the sculpture garden. Kids will love seeing the old warden’s house, the watch tower, and some of the prison walls that still stand today.

2. The Courtyard and Sculpture Garden

Before entering the main space of the Michener Art Museum, kids can wander around the property and explore the various sculptures on display in the garden and courtyard. 

The garden features some permanent sculptures, like the statue of King Lear by Barry Johnston, which was one of our favorites!

The sculpture garden was built on the site of the prison yard. The beautiful and imposing stone walls add to the unique atmosphere.

3. The Size of the Museum

As noted above, one of the reasons we love visiting the Michener Museum with kids is its size. The museum has several small exhibit spaces and feels cozy, making it a great place to introduce kids to art museums.

You can spend hours enjoying the various works throughout the museum. But it’s also small enough to get through in time before a young one’s attention span wears off!

4. The Different Types of Art

One of the best things about the Michener Museum is that is shows kids art comes in all forms.

Some of the galleries in the museum featured traditional paintings on canvas. Others showcased art in other utilitarian forms, like furniture and doors. The kids learned that art isn’t always painting on a canvas but can also be found in functional pieces.

5. Look, Learn, Discover, Connect

The Michener Art Museum has an area where kids can Look, Learn, Discover, and Connect.

The idea is for kids to wander around the museum, answer questions on cards found in the bags, and learn more about art, history, literature, science, and more! 

The bags contain art supplies, and the kids can sit down to read, draw, color, or express their creativity in other ways. It was a wonderful area for them to take a break and use their imaginations!

Tips For Bringing Your Kids to an Art Museum

Consider Your Child’s Attention Span

As noted above, the Michener Museum of Art is a perfect place to introduce your child to art museums.

However, at any art museum, don’t stay too long. Your child may eventually become bored or antsy. That can ruin both you and your child’s experience, as well as other patrons.

Engage Your Child

When we visit art museums, I ask the kids to pick out their favorite pieces in each gallery we enter. Then we read the description beside the piece to learn more about the artist and the medium they used to create the piece. It is a great way to keep your child interested and engaged.

Find the Kids’ Area

Many museums, including the Michener Museum as we described above, have started to add children’s areas. We love utilizing these areas because they give both us and the kids a break from walking, observing, and being quiet. They also encourage a love and appreciation of art at a kid’s level.

Other Things to Do Nearby

There are plenty of ways to entertain your kids in Doylestown. Some of them are right next to the Michener Museum

Community Labyrinth

On the corner of S Pine and E Ashland Streets is a small labyrinth that everyone can enjoy. During the spring and summer, it’s fun to see the flowers. And around Christmastime, the labyrinth is covered in lights. It’s a fun way to allow kids to run around a bit before or after you visit the museum.

Mercer Museum

One of our favorite things to do in Bucks County is visit the Mercer Museum. This crazy concrete castle is home to thousands of pre-industrial tools and products. Kids will love exploring the nooks and crannies of the building while looking for Rollo’s paw prints.

Bucks County Library

The Doylestown Library is the biggest library in Bucks County. They have a nice children’s area with tons of books and things to do. And, since it’s FREE to visit and right next door, it’s a great addition to the Michener Museum for a morning or afternoon out.

Is the Michener Art Museum Good For Kids?

Overall, the James A. Michener Art Museum is a fun way to introduce children to various styles of art in a museum setting without being overwhelming. The opportunities to get them involved in the art made for a fun experience! 

And while you are in Bucks County, the Bucks County Children’s Museum is a short drive away in New Hope, PA. 

Have you ever visited the Michener Art Museum? Do you have a museum nearby that features local artists? Let us know in the comments

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