Oona (in blue and red jacket) waiting in line for face painting.
We went to the grand opening of the brand new Children’s Museum of the Arts this Saturday and even though we loved the rustic former CMA on Lafayette Street (Oona learned to paint there), this new one just takes my breath away. The new spacious 10,000-square-foot site features a broad collection of modern artwork catering to new artists with kid-friendly classes and workshops. And they cater to all ages with photography and filmmaking for the teenage generations and a WEE Arts room and clay bar for hands-on activities for babies and toddlers.
The lofted ball pond overlooking the gallery is perfect. They have thought of everything with the sponge walls so the kids don’t get hurt when they bounce off them. The museum even features a place to nap in the quiet room – the only quiet environment on-site. Why don’t all museums have that? I also just love the large windows looking out to the world, and my fave thing of all is the incredible circular hand-washing trough with foot operated faucets. This will definitely be one of our staple hangouts this winter, especially since we are within walking distance. Lucky us!
Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton Street, between Greenwich and Hudson Streets (212-274-0986 or cmany.org). Admission is $10 for adults and children, free for babies under 1.