What can my family do at CMA?
CMA is a non-profit art space where there are things to both SEE and DO. Walk through our art gallery and browse our Current Exhibition. Make an animated movie or screen a stop-motion film in our Media Lab. Explore and experiment with creative materials in our WEE Arts Studio. Sculpt or paint an original masterpiece in our Fine Art Studio. Jump and play in our Ball Pond. Workshops change every day; click here to see a calendar. We also run age-specific classes in fine and media arts: WEE Arts (0-5 yrs); After School (5-12 yrs); @5 (13-15 yrs); and Art Colony day camps (5-15 yrs).
What workshops are happening at the museum today? Is registration required?
The art workshops at CMA are designed by our staff of Teaching Artists. Workshops change from day to day allowing for maximum creativity with our ever-changing array of art materials, and each artist’s touch of personal style and expertise. We always feature one pre-determined workshop on our calendar. Registration for fine arts workshops is not required. Registration for the Media Lab and Clay Bar is kept on a first come first serve basis.
What is the age range for the museum?
CMA’s public hours are geared for families with children aged 10 months to 15 years. Our exhibition and workshops are designed to be engaging for all ages. With designated areas for differing age ranges, families can explore based on their areas of interest. We encourage families to explore art together!
Can I drop my child off at the museum?
Unless your child is signed up for a registered After School, Art Colony, @5 class, or private lesson, all children must be accompanied by an adult while at CMA.
Are strollers allowed inside the museum?
Strollers are not allowed past the front desk at CMA. We have stroller parking for your convenience.
Do you have a coat/bag check?
There are coat closets in the front lobby. We do not have lockers, or a ticketed coat check. We do not advise leaving anything of value in the coat closets. Staff is not responsible for any lost or missing items.
Is CMA wheelchair accessible?
Yes, CMA is wheelchair accessible.
How do we use the Ball Pond?
Each hour is divided into time slots by age to ensure the safety of all our visitors:
:00 – :20 — 2 to 4 year olds
:20 to :40 — 5 to 7 year olds
:40 to :60 — 8+ year olds
Caregiver supervision is required. The number of people in the ball pond may be limited at staff’s discretion.
Throughout the day, Staff will clear the ball pond for 10-minute birthday party bounces. Staff will be thoughtful to accommodate all of our visitors.
How should I dress? Are smocks provided?
Yes, we provide smocks for children to wear. As you will be using paint, glue, and other messy materials, we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Do you have any free, or donation based hours?
Yes! You can “Pay As You Wish” every Thursday from 4-6pm!
Are you a member of ACM (Association of Children’s Museums)?
CMA is not a member of ACM, nor do we have reciprocity with other museums’ membership programs.
Is there a space to eat lunch?
Yes, CMA has a small seating area with tables and chairs where you are welcome to eat lunch. We have a limited selection of snacks available for sale at the front desk. For a list of staff’s favorite local eateries, visit our FourSquare page.
Can I leave and come back in?
Yes, you are welcome to take a break, and come back to the museum later that same day.
Can we pick up our art projects tomorrow?
No. Unfortunately, CMA does not have storage for all the art work that gets left behind. We have bags for you to take home all of your creations!
How do I request a donation from CMA for a fundraising auction/event?
Please send your donation request form to Lori Feren at lferen@cmany.org. Best of luck with your event!
Can I bring my class or camp group for a visit?
Yes, our group visits allow for schools and camps to experience a personalized, educational museum visit. Led by our team of teaching artists, group visits start with a tour of the gallery, engaging the students in discussion about the exhibition. After the gallery tour, the teaching artists will lead your students in an art workshop of your choosing. CMA programming supports NYC DOE’s Blueprint Standards for Teaching and Learning in the Arts and is flexible to accommodate any special interests and/or needs your group may have. Visits are offered year-round. Learn more by visiting our Group Visits page.