Children's Museum of the Arts facts for kids
The Children's Museum of the Arts (CMA) was a special place in Manhattan, New York, where kids could explore and create art. Located at 103 Charlton Street in the South Village area, it was open from 2011 to 2022. The museum had an amazing collection of over 2,000 pieces of art made by children from more than 50 countries. Some of these artworks dated all the way back to the 1930s!
Contents
What Was the Children's Museum of the Arts?
The Children's Museum of the Arts was a museum designed just for young people. It aimed to inspire creativity and teach children about art from around the world. Kids could see art made by other children and also get hands-on experience making their own art.
Art Collection for Kids
The museum's collection was unique because it focused on art created by children. This collection showed how kids from different cultures and times expressed themselves through art. It was a wonderful way for visitors to see the power of young imaginations.
Cool Art Shows at CMA
The museum hosted many interesting art shows, called exhibitions. These shows featured different types of art and artists, making art exciting for young visitors.
First Big Show: Make Art (in) Public
When the museum first opened its new building, its very first big show was called "Make Art (in) Public." This exhibition looked at art that is displayed in public places, like parks or city streets. It featured works by famous artists such as Keith Haring and Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who are known for their large and often surprising public art projects.
Ian Berry's Secret Garden
In 2017, the museum featured a unique exhibition called "Secret Garden" by an artist named Ian Berry. What made this garden special? It was entirely made out of denim fabric! The denim used for this amazing artwork was some of the last fabric produced in the United States.
History of the Museum Building
The Children's Museum of the Arts had an interesting journey, from its founding to its eventual closure.
How CMA Started
The museum was first started by Kathleen Schneider in 1988. For many years, it helped children discover art. In October 2011, the museum opened a brand new, much larger space. This new building was about 10,000 square feet, giving it plenty of room for art and activities.
Why the Museum Closed
The museum's physical building had to close its doors in 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the building closed, the museum continued to work with schools, bringing art programs to children. However, the organization eventually faced financial difficulties. It officially stopped operating in October 2024.
