Visiting the BYU Museum of Art

Visiting Provo any time soon? If you're looking for something free to keep you and the kids entertained for a morning or afternoon, check out the BYU Museum of Art. This FREE museum is rad, and offers so many great things for families to do! In fact, it's one of the best art museums in Utah . . . and it's FREE!

Recently, my family and I visited the MOA to check out a new contemporary art installation titled "Windswept", by artist Patrick Dougherty.  My kids loved exploring the twisting forms created by intertwined willow saplings.  The whole installation felt like more of a tree house that wraps up and all around you, and it provides little nooks and crannies for kids to enjoy.  I highly recommend checking out this exhibit, on display through October 19, 2019.  Your kids will love it.

The MOA always offers a number of different exhibits, from contemporary art to photography to old masterpieces.  If you're looking for something more interactive for your kids, the MOA offers "VAN GOGH TO PLAY DOUGH: ART FOR TODDLERS", every Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 – 11 AM.  From the MOA website: "Toddlers and their caregivers will look, sing, play, and create together in the galleries and art studio while exploring exhibition themes. Registration Required."  (See the Salt Project Article here.)

I've never done this before, but it sounds like tons of fun.  The MOA also offers "OPEN STUDIO", on the first and third Saturdays of every month, from 11 AM – 1 PM.  Again, from the MOA website: "Bring the family on Saturday mornings for self-guided gallery and art-making experiences. All ages are welcome and registration is not required."  Again, I haven't experienced this myself, but I would totally be on board if I lived in Provo or was visiting on a Saturday.

Another fun part of the MOA is the outdoor sculpture garden.  When my kids feel the need to run around and play, I let them do that in the sculpture garden, where nothing can get broken.

If you get hungry while visiting the museum, the MOA offers its Museum Cafe, which provides a variety of reasonably priced menu options.  Or you could take a short walk over to the BYU Creamery on Ninth for some yummy ice cream.  Which is probably what I would do.  Because I love ice cream.  Another option for eating is the food court at the BYU Student Center, which provides lots of different dining options.  You might as well make a day out of your trip to the MOA!