Enjoy free artmaking and activities that showcase performance art! Create your own optical illusion artwork to perform for friends and family. Learn about performance costumes in the Mediatheque and sketch your own ideas. Join a teacher from Boston Ballet for a dance workshop in our Theater. Reserve free admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.

*On Saturday, January 25, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed.  
  

Artmaking: Wonder Turners! Design Your Own Thaumatrope | 10 AM – 3 PM

1st Floor, Upper Lobby

Create an optical illusion artwork called a thaumatrope! Plan your design, make two separate drawings, and spin them together to appear as one continuous image. Enjoy creating and sharing interactive artwork with friends and family! Art-making is drop-in on a first come first served basis, space is limited.

City Dance Workshop with Boston Ballet | 11 AM – 12 PM

2nd Floor, Theater

At Boston Ballet School, we believe dance is for everyone! Led by Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, Boston Ballet School’s innovative curriculum and expert faculty nurture the individuality, creativity, and health of each student. We believe in the transformative power of dance education to inspire positive change in our community and beyond. During a 60-minute interactive movement workshop, participants will learn about elements of dance and performance — including musicality, choreography, and expression through movement. Come dance with us! No previous dance experience necessary.

Learn more about Boston Ballet School

Photography notice: The ICA and Boston Ballet may be photographing participants during or after this workshop; families will have the option to opt-out if desired.

Boston Ballet School

Costuming for the Stage and Screen in the Mediatheque | 10 AM – 5 PM

4th Floor, Mediatheque

Created in collaboration with the Boston Ballet Costume Shop, this installation offers a behind-the-scenes look into how costumes are constructed for Boston Ballet! Learn about the people and processes involved in creating a costume based on a design and create your own using material samples!

Books and Looks | 10:30 AM + 12:30 PM

4th Floor, Galleries

Join our staff for a guided reading of family-friendly storybooks! Find a new story or revisit an old favorite, all while surrounded by exciting works of art.

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Questions? Reach out to us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.