Enjoy your visit to the museum, and explore your artistic side with an art project inspired by the museum's exhibitions and collections. Museum patrons may enjoy drop-in art-making, offered most Saturdays from 12–4PM. Art for All is free with museum admission; no registration required. All ages are welcome to participate.
Programs That Spark Curiosity and Creativity
From drop-in art making to hands-on multi-day workshops, the Albany Institute offers dynamic programs that inspire curiosity and creativity in young visitors of all ages.
Art For All
Vacation Art Break & Artful Mornings
Calling all young artists ages six through twelve! Join us at the Albany Institute for fun, hands-on activities led by our museum educators. Prepare to learn new things, experiment with new ideas and connect with new people. Throughout school breaks, we will explore the galleries at the Albany Institute and create our own works of art inspired by the exhibitions and collection. Vacation Art Break is designed for children ages 9–12 and 6–8.
Explore the August 2026 Artful Morning Sessions here.
Art Cart
Art Cart offers interactive and up-close experiences with artifacts and through hands-on art creation inspired by objects in our collections, all guided by an educator. Find the Art Cart throughout the museum every Wednesday from July 8 through August 26 from 12–3PM. Participation is free with museum admission.
Visit our Calendar for the full Art Cart schedule this summer.
Explorer Bags
Discover more with an Explorer Bag! Make your museum visit even more fun—borrow a free Explorer Bag filled with hands-on activities, games, and surprises designed for children ages 4–12. Choose from four themes: New Perspectives, Explore the Senses, People in Portraits, or I Spy. Check out an Explorer Bag during your next visit to the museum!