Even if you have little kids like I do, your kids should be going to art museums. I’ve got 5 reasons you should take your children to art museums, and I think you’ll really relate to the last one!

When my son exclaimed, “Wow!” as he looked up at the Baroque-inspired architecture and Renaissance-style paintings on the ceiling, I knew I had done something right.

We had been wandering around the Belvedere Palace Art Museum in Vienna, and he had looked pretty bored for the past few minutes.

All the mom guilt had started to seep in.

Why did I take him here?

Am I being selfish?

I should be able to enjoy things for me too, right?

But then we walked into the Marble Hall and all of those thoughts shattered in an instant. Because finally, here was something we could all appreciate!

The detailed marble walls, the dynamic ceiling frescoes, and the sheer size of the hall were breath-taking.

My son started spinning around while looking up at the pastel ceiling. I sat down on the floor by him and took it all in. Then he crawled into my lap and we both stared up in silence, smiles resting on our faces.

That is what art can do.

Art can move even the littlest bodies and hearts because art is a form of communication. It connects us to one another. Even though the Marble Hall was built in 1908 in an architectural style that was even older than that, it still emotionally connected with me and my 3 year-old son in 2025.

Looking for a free field trip?

Go to the Belvedere Art Museum website! They have half of their collection available online. Browse through Gustav Klimt and Van Gogh masterpieces among others.

WARNING: Check it out before you show your kids. Some paintings are for adult eyes only.

Have I convinced you yet to take your kids to an art museum?

Well, just in case I didn’t, here are 5 quick reasons you should take your kids to an art museum (either in person or online!).

1. It’s not made to entertain kids. I know, I know. This doesn’t sound like a good thing. But it is! When kids are only consuming media that’s “meant” for them, they’re not being challenged. They’re not growing in their ability to think or understand. Exposing kids to art made for all ages expands their worldview and helps them see other viewpoints.

2. Exposure to different periods and artists opens up kids’ minds. Walking through an art museum is often like walking through time. Kids can see how people from around the world throughout history have documented the important parts of life through their art. Experiencing other styles and artistic visions can help kids understand their place in time and history. Nothing against Paw Patrol, but seeing other forms of art is a must for kids!

3. Art in museums can help kids ask questions. Let’s say you’re looking at the art piece “Napoleon” by Jacques Louis David. Your child might be like mine and say, “Oooooh cool horse,” and move on. Or they might take a second and think, “Why is that guy so big and the horse is so small? And why are there names carved into the rocks at the bottom?” Both questions lead to discussions about history, political propaganda, and the Napoleonic Wars!

4. Viewing art inspires kids to create their own. Viewing a Van Gogh in detail will make your realize that…this masterpiece is just made with brushstrokes! Now, we know there’s a lot more that goes into a painting than that, but it’s amazing what kids will try if they break it down into smaller pieces. If you go to an art museum, encourage your kids to walk around with a sketch pad and try to copy small parts of paintings they like. I wouldn’t suggest to them to make an entire art piece—that’s too overwhelming. But have them draw a few lines here, or copy a few shapes there. This will increase their confidence and artistic eye.

5. Taking your kids to an art museum will expand your view of the art, too. I told you my story about the Marble Hall earlier, but I didn’t tell you all of it. I didn’t tell you that before we walked into the hall I was soooo stressed. I was worried about my baby crying in the quiet art museum, worried by son would destroy a priceless work of art, or that everyone would be ready for lunch before I had time to enjoy myself. So walking into the Marble Hall and seeing that breathtaking view was as much for me as it was for my son.

   We all need to stop, breathe, and look at some beautiful art every once in a while.

Want to learn more about being the best art educator you can be?

Read more here!

Thanks for reading 💕 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!