The i.d.e.a. Museum is for everyone! Our motto is “for your child and the child within you.”
Some sensory and other FYIs for your family:
Entering the museum:
All visitors enter through the front doors located on Pepper Place. You may occasionally encounter a line to check in or a school group gathering up front. If your child is overwhelmed by crowds, you may want to call ahead to find out if a school group will be in the museum or visit during slower times – typically crowds are minimal after 12 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and on Sunday.
If your child has difficulty waiting quietly in line, you may want to bring a fidget spinner, music headphones, or a manipulative toy. You may also return to the musical instruments outside if lines are long.
Learn more about what to expect when you arrive at the museum by clicking here.
Items not allowed in the museum:
Weapons are not allowed in the museum. Additionally, food and beverages are not allowed in the museum galleries. You may, however, pack a lunch or snack to enjoy in designated areas, including the Snackery and Atrium (when open).
ArtVille FYIs:
ArtVille is an engaging environment designed with the unique requirements of children birth to age 4. Young crawlers to curious toddlers will interact in a town built to cultivate exploration, imagination and creative expression. Imaginative play in the town encourages social-emotional and language development. ALL visitors (adults and children) are required to wear socks while present to help maintain the cleanliness of the space. Exceptions are made for visitors wearing medical devices on their feet.
Museum noise:
The museum can be loud during busy times and in some exhibition spaces and filled with children’s enthusiastic voices. We are busiest when we have school groups in the building and on free days. If your child is sensitive to sound, consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs. You may also visit our front desk to check out one of a limited number of sensory backpacks on hand.
Interactive computer areas:
There are computer interactives in many of the exhibition areas. If these activities distract your child, please ask for one of our sensory guides (add link) or talk with a Gallery Educator to make a note of where these interactives are located so that you may avoid them.
Museum alarms:
Museum alarms rarely go off. But when they do, they can be loud. Should someone trigger an alarm, museum staff quickly investigates and turns the siren off if all is clear. Signs are placed on doors when access is not available and an alarm is set to warn visitors that access is restricted.
What can I touch?
Much of the museum is set up for touching and exploration. But a few items that are not meant for touching will have barriers and signage. If you see signs or fencing placed in front of artwork, that means it is fragile and should not be touched. We want your child to be able to roam freely through the museum, but please do not cross barriers protecting objects.
Bathrooms:
Bathrooms are located on both ends of the museum. Additionally, a Family/Companion Care restroom is located in ArtVille. Museum bathrooms have manual flush toilets, on/off sinks, and electric towel dispensers.
Wheelchairs:
The museum is wheel-chair accessible.