When our son was just over a month old, we brought him for his first cultural experience: an exhibition featuring detailed reproductions of Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
Though not particularly good at drawing or painting myself, I have always enjoyed immersing myself in beauty, and now I have the opportunity to share it with my husband and offspring.
After peering at the chubby, voluptuous figures of various Biblical characters, the infant dozed off, slumbering to soothing music.
Making Memories
A month later, we attended the Van Gogh Immersive Experience. Again, steeped in the harmonies of classical tunes, our small son fell asleep strapped to my chest in his harness.
Last year, we enjoyed the Monet in Paris Immersive Experience, this time with our daughter in tow as well.
Our son was now big enough to dance to the melodies and interact with the swirling images projected on large screens and even the floor. Beaming with joy, he elicited smiles from others nearby as he pranced and spun around.
Interactive Art
Today, we had great fun at ArtVo, a permanent exhibition found in both the Gold Coast and in Melbourne. Created by artists from across the world, the galleries feature murals painted in the style of optical illusions, so that visitors can step into the pictures and become part of the art.
As they are having a half-priced weekday promo (code: MIDWEEK – you can use the tickets for up to 12 months after purchase), we leapt at the opportunity for an adventurous day out.
Our toddlers giggled as they explored the various images, pretending to teeter precariously on a tightrope across a ravine, perch on the edge of a skyscraper, get beamed up by a UFO, etc.
With eight rooms and 82 photo points, we were glad that ArtVo stamps the inner wrists of adult guests so that visitors can take breaks for meals and so on. Both sites are located in shopping malls, with the attendant amenities.
In total, we spent about four hours traversing the premises, from fantasy worlds and Marvel superhero scenes to underwater depths and dense rainforests.
There is even a glow-in-the-dark room, where they are planning to have a disco party for children during the school holidays.
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The kids particularly gravitated toward the artworks with props you can interact with, such as Thor’s hammer, a cannibals’ cauldron, and a gondola you can climb into.
ArtVo Gold Coast and ArtVo Melbourne have similar but different paintings, so perhaps someday we shall have new adventures at the other gallery!
How do you go about incorporating beauty and wonder in your child’s life? Are there any museums or galleries nearby that you can explore?
Tip: check Google Maps reviews or the websites and social media pages of exhibits before attending, just to make sure everything is child-friendly, and to plan your must-see pieces in case you need to make a swift exit when your little one becomes tired or cranky.
Also, if you want to capture picture-perfect memories of your day out, it helps to wear outfits that match one another and the theme. Go forth and make some magical moments!
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Image courtesy of Adobe.
About the Author: Jean Seah
