Museum Programs
Children’s Museum of Arts (CMA) Access Programs
CMA offers free weekend art classes, tours and camp for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and those with physical disabilities and their families. Their ‘Art for All’ initiative provides any child with a disability and their caregiver free admission to the museum during general public hours.
The Museum of Modern Art
MoMA’s Create Ability program was specially created for children ages 5 and up with developmental disabilities. Each month focuses on a different topic and includes a hands-on art project. The sessions are FREE but advance registration is required.
The American Museum of Natural History
The Discovery Squad is a unique tour program designed for families affected by autism. On selected Saturday mornings, children on the autism spectrum ages 5–14, accompanied by an adult, can attend a 40-minute tour lead by specially trained Museum tour guides, then spend some time exploring the Discovery Room before the Museum opens to the public. Families are invited to stay after the tour and enjoy the Museum when it opens to the public at 10 am.
The Transit Museum
‘Subway Sleuths’ after-school program is an innovative 10-week program specifically designed for children on the spectrum who have a passion for trains and transit and who can use their language to share experiences and interests, collaborate in small groups on shared projects, and move as a group throughout the Transit Museum during sessions. Sessions are facilitated by a special needs educator and a speech-language pathologist (both trained in ASD support) and a Transit Museum educator. The program uses children’s interest in transportation to help them navigate social experiences with peers.
The Intrepid Museum
The Museum opens its doors one hour early for families affected by autism. Programs take place every other month, on weekend mornings from 9:00am-11:00am. Educators lead tours, art-making activities, and demonstrations. These programs are free, but space is limited.
Central Park Zoo / Wildlife Conservation Society
Once a year in support of Autism Awareness, the Central Park Zoo hosts a “Zoos Go Blue” family day. The event welcomes families affected by autism spectrum disorder to enjoy an early opening of the zoo along with visual support materials to prepare for the visit. The day features animal guests, wildlife theater, crafts, and more! The date this year is Saturday, April 19th, 2014.
Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim offers an accessible and welcoming experience for children and adults of all abilities. Prepare for a visit with their social narrative, which contains photographs and descriptions of what to expect during a trip to the Guggenheim Museum.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Brooklyn Children’s Museum embraces children of all abilities. The Sensory Room is an inclusive space where children with special needs can engage and explore their senses. The interactive equipment provides a multisensory experience with visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, and gross motor activities. This room provides a welcoming environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum offers a program called ‘Access Family Workshops’ for children and adults with ADD and family members. Visitors examine art, then create a work of their own in these programs for families with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. Workshops include gallery activities, an art project and snacks.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney invites families with kids on the autism spectrum to join them for sensory-friendly gallery activities and a hands-on art-making workshop before the Museum opens to the general public. During this drop-in program, families will explore a current Whitney exhibition and create their own art inspired by works on view. This program occurs every three months for kids ages 6 and up. Registration is required.