Visits by the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art now offers programming to Hassenfeld patients and their siblings in the Hassenfeld playroom. Through this program, an art educator from the Museum comes to the Hassenfeld clinic to lead a discussion about museum works related to a specific topic. Hassenfeld patients, siblings, and family members are all welcome to participate in the interactive slide show presentation. By discussing the subject matter, artistic techniques, and the connections among the different works, participants are able to practice creative critical thinking skills in a relaxed classroom-like environment.

Following the presentation, participants are able to create a hands-on art project related to the discussion. Past programs have addressed topics such as animals in art, fathers in art, famous rooms at the Met, the Impressionists, and costumes. Many families enjoy visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art in person and exploring the children’s programming there after participating in the Hassenfeld workshops.

This program is organized through the Hassenfeld Family Health Education Center & Library and complements existing recreation therapy and art therapy programs already in place through Hassenfeld’s Child Life team at the Hassenfeld Center.