Take your kids to the museum, play mind games!

Trechikovsky Gallery Третьяковская Галерея

When traveling with children, it’s important to carefully plan the itinerary to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Especially when visiting Europe, where there are numerous buildings and museums to explore, careful consideration is necessary. This is particularly true when visiting Russia.

On this trip, I have arranged a visit to the Tretikovskaya Gallery, which happens to be my favorite gallery and art museum. Even when I used to live in Moscow, I always made it a point to take my friends from Taiwan there. The Tretikovskaya Gallery exclusively showcases works by Russian painters, and although the styles may vary, they are all quite distinct.

Before departing for the trip, I told the children, “I want to take you to my favorite art gallery!” Perhaps the children developed a sense of curiosity and anticipation, forming a positive impression of the gallery even before we arrived.

The first caution I would like to emphasize is to pre-inform the children about the places they will be visiting, creating a positive impression and building excitement in their hearts.

Mom’s second trick: make good use of technology tools!

Modern exhibitions often incorporate technology to enhance the visitor experience. During a business trip to Beijing in April this year, I took a break to visit the “Great Bell Temple” and had the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of technology. The temple houses numerous large bells, and upon entering each hall, I could listen to a speech or commentary by scanning a QR code.

Similarly, during our visit to the gallery in Moscow, we encountered an activity that involved viewing paintings using virtual reality (VR) technology. We selected a painting from the gallery’s collection and engaged with it through a virtual studio creation. We asked my brother to be the first to interact with the artist virtually, and then we observed the painting together, waiting to experience a deeper connection or resonance.

Although there was an additional fee for this VR experience, I believe it was worth it and provided a fun way to engage with the artwork. It’s exciting to see how technology is being integrated into the art world, offering new and immersive ways to appreciate and interact with artistic creations.

Seeing VR technology, let’s actually experience it!

My brother chose to experience the works of painter Ivan Shishkin. Shishkin is known for his paintings depicting Russian nature and animals, which serves as an excellent introduction for children. When they visit the exhibits later, the children will be motivated to find the paintings they “saw” in VR at the beginning, creating a sense of excitement and connection.

As for myself, I chose to experience the works of Mengke MUNCH, who was having a special exhibition in another hall at the same time. The VR technology used in the experience felt incredibly real. In fact, the realism was so powerful that it evoked strong emotions within me, and I even felt like I was on the verge of tears. It’s amazing how VR can create such immersive and emotional experiences.

The combination of VR technology and the art exhibition added a new dimension to our visit, allowing for deeper engagement and personal connections with the artworks. It was a remarkable and memorable experience for both children and adults alike.

Finally found the real work of the painting I have seen, happy group photo

The third careful machine: guide machine / commentator

Before entering a gallery or museum, I often rent a tour guide or use a guided tour machine to learn the stories behind the exhibits. If possible, I try to familiarize myself with the exhibits beforehand so that I can share the stories with the children and make them interested in the works. This approach may not always be feasible, except when I visit museums in my local area or hometown where such resources are readily available. In places I visit only once, having a guide becomes crucial.

Having a tour guide offers several advantages. Firstly, adults are guided through the exhibits and can gain more knowledge to share with the children. Secondly, I believe that allowing children to hold the guided tour machine themselves is key to keeping them engaged. When the machine is in their hands, they feel a sense of responsibility and mission. They may need to relay the information to the rest of the family, which encourages attentive listening, critical thinking, and the ability to express their understanding in their own words. This process stimulates their cognitive abilities and, most importantly, because they have control, they are more motivated to actively search for works of interest and engage in autonomous learning. With the motivation of self-learning, even the “boring museum” becomes less tedious.

During our trip to the Czech Republic last year, we visited the town of Kutna Hora, which had not only churches but also a bone chapel. Initially, the children were a bit resistant. However, in the first church, I rented a tour guide and encouraged my son to take on a “student-like” role. After listening to the guide, he explained the information to me, and to my surprise, he instantly became a “teacher.” Every time we encountered something new, he would carefully explain it to me and his sister. I didn’t need to repeat the historical and cultural details of that church because he had absorbed it all.

If possible, it would be even better to have a live tour guide. However, these guides typically cater to adult groups, and their content and language may be too advanced for children, leading to loss of interest and a desire to leave quickly. Ideally, a private tour with personalized explanations would be perfect, but such arrangements require prior planning and special arrangements.

The fourth careful machine: little detective action!

I have a good friend who teaches art and often gives children a magnifying glass or telescope to use when viewing paintings. Sometimes, the artworks are large or crowded, making it difficult to see all the details. Just like in a classroom setting, when people can’t see or hear clearly, they tend to lose focus. Using tools like a magnifying glass or telescope is a great way to address this issue. However, if such tools are not available, we can simply choose larger paintings that are easier to see without additional aids. The goal is to ensure that both children and adults can see the artwork clearly.

For example, when encountering a huge painting, we can create curiosity by exclaiming from a distance, “Wow, how can there be such a big painting? I wonder what it depicts. Can you see it?” This piques their interest, and then we can begin analyzing the painting together with a general understanding. The focus of this process is to guide their observation, rather than solely focusing on painting style skills.

For preschool or lower-grade children, we can use simpler questions like “How many faces are there? What are their expressions?” For older children, we can explore more detailed aspects, such as discussing the identities of the people in the painting, speculating about the setting or actions taking place. The correct answers are not crucial; what matters most is that children open their eyes to see and engage their thinking during the guided process.

Many significant paintings have drafts or preliminary sketches displayed alongside them. This presents an opportunity to play a game and have children find the differences between the draft and the final artwork. Everyone enjoys playing the “find the difference” game, which adds an element of excitement and makes the experience more enjoyable. The aim is to foster their observational skills and deepen their understanding of the artistic process.

In the past two years, there has been a growing emphasis on students’ “thinking ability” in Taiwan’s educational circles. I have also personally embraced this approach when communicating with my children. A few years ago, when I saw a painting, I would have directly told my child who painted it and what event it depicted. This was likely because I was accustomed to receiving simple statements or facts during my own childhood.

However, in recent years, influenced by European education methods, I have become more conscious of avoiding providing definitive answers and instead fostering open discussions. For instance, I now try to begin by asking my child what they see in the painting and how it makes them feel. If we don’t know or are unsure, we can explore possible interpretations together and reach a conclusion collaboratively.

This process of engaging in speculative discussions mirrors the approach taken by Europeans when educating their children in everyday life. It encourages critical thinking and allows children to develop their own perspectives and insights. By embracing this method, we can cultivate their ability to analyze, interpret, and form educated opinions about the artwork they encounter.

From observation -> feeling -> thinking -> asking questions -> discussing -> conclusion.

The fifth caution: find resonance

Some areas of museums or art galleries require more contemplation, while others can be briskly walked through to avoid exhaustion. When visiting collections that encompass both classical and modern artworks, it is common to encounter numerous portraits, particularly of royal nobles, at the beginning. If these portraits do not pique the interest of our family, we often move through that section swiftly. However, if there is an opportunity for resonance or connection, we allocate more time for exploration.

For instance, consider the painting on the right depicting three children pulling a cart. Since they are also children, it is easier for our family to relate to them. When my older child stood in front of the painting for an extended period, I approached him and asked, “How do you think these children are feeling?” He responded, indicating that they appeared tired. Building on his observation, I continued, “What do you think they are doing? Are they around the same age as you?” Starting the discussion from this perspective initiates further dialogue. Although it may seem simple, it can create meaningful ripples within the children’s hearts. Even if they don’t express it verbally, they begin to contemplate and develop thoughts in their minds.

By encouraging children to think and engage with artworks on a deeper level, we help them foster their analytical and interpretive skills. These discussions also allow them to explore their own emotions, perspectives, and connections to the artwork, enhancing their overall appreciation and understanding of art.

The top left picture and the two pictures below it depict the works of a renowned Russian war painter named Vasily Vershchagin. He closely followed the Russian-Persian war and captured the brutality of the conflict through his art. Using these paintings as a starting point, I have had conversations with my children about the horrors of war.

In today’s modern world, children are often exposed to depictions of war through animated movies or toys. However, these portrayals often fail to convey the actual cruelty and devastating consequences of real-life conflicts. As parents, it is crucial for us to reflect on this issue.

Engaging in discussions with our children about the reality of war helps to bridge the gap between their fictional understanding and the harsh truths that exist. By exploring the paintings of Vershchagin and discussing the suffering and devastation depicted within them, we can provide a more nuanced perspective. Through these conversations, we can foster empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of peace.

It’s important for parents to consider how we can guide our children’s understanding of war and its consequences in a thoughtful and age-appropriate manner. By addressing the topic with sensitivity and providing historical context, we can help our children develop a more realistic and compassionate perspective on the subject.

I specifically displayed these two paintings and discussed them with my children on-site. I wanted them to understand how I felt about these artworks. Each person has different preferences and sensitivities when it comes to paintings. Innocent children may not have the same emotional reactions as adults. It is crucial to communicate their feelings of joy, sorrow, and happiness in a timely manner.

I believe it’s important to let children know that their own thoughts and emotions are valid and valued. By sharing my own feelings about the paintings, I created a safe space for them to express their own thoughts and emotions. Art has the power to evoke various emotions, and by acknowledging and discussing these emotions, we can help children develop their emotional intelligence and foster a deeper connection with art and the world around them.

Open and ongoing dialogue about their joys, sorrows, and delights is essential. It allows children to express themselves, develop self-awareness, and strengthen their emotional bonds with their parents or guardians. By encouraging meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and actively listening to their perspectives, we create an environment that supports their emotional growth and nurtures the parent-child relationship.

The sixth and final opportunity to engage in mind games is to provide a meaningful reward at the end.

After a thorough exploration of the entire gallery or museum, it’s understandable that both children and adults would appreciate a break. Just like adults, children may also benefit from a moment to rest and recharge. When the weather is pleasant, it can be a delightful idea to treat the children to an ice cream or a refreshing juice as a well-deserved reward.

While it’s important to avoid solely relying on external rewards to motivate children, small treats or gestures during the trip can contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience. These rewards can create a sense of anticipation and add an element of excitement to the visit. They can also help instill a positive association with museum or gallery visits, leading to future enthusiasm and happy memories.

It’s crucial to strike a balance between using rewards as a positive reinforcement and ensuring that the primary focus remains on the value of the experience itself. By emphasizing the beauty and significance of the artwork, encouraging engagement, and fostering discussions, you can create a meaningful connection for the children with the exhibits.

Ultimately, we all deserve something nice, and incorporating small rewards or treats as part of the museum or gallery visit can contribute to a joyful and memorable outing for both children and adults.