Welcome  

We welcome families to York Art Gallery and all our spaces are family friendly. Join us for artist-led workshops and more during the school holidays and check out our interactive spaces in the gallery anytime you visit. There’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy! 

Explore, Play, Create  

Throughout the gallery, families are invited to discover three engaging areas designed to enhance your experience and help you explore both the gallery and our wonderful collection. 

Explore  

Discover the Burton Gallery with our Sensory Toolkit by artist Sarah Marsh. This interactive experience, suitable for all ages and abilities, encourages participation through sensory exploration of the gallery’s forms, colours, and textures. It is designed for quiet reflection. 

Play 

Be playful in the Ismay Kitchen: cook up a storm or host an imaginary tea party inspired by our beautiful ceramics. This accessible space invites all ages and abilities to interact and enjoy play. 

Create 

Unleash your creativity with our Art Cart, stocked with drawing materials, intriguing objects, and inspiring activities linked to gallery artworks and exhibitions. Accessible for all ages and abilities, this space is designed for creative exploration.

School Holiday Events 

Wicked Wednesdays – Every Wednesday in school holidays (except for the Christmas Holidays)  

Story Craft Theatre will be going on a Wicked Wednesday adventure, and you are all invited! The sessions will include games, singing and an interactive story. Pre-booking recommended | £7 per child | Ages 2 – 8 years  

Creative Family Thursdays – every Thursday in School holidays (except the Christmas Holidays)  

Artist-run creative workshops inspired by our galleries and special exhibitions. Join us with all the family on Thursdays during the school holidays for a drop-in creative workshop. Drop-in | Included in gallery admission | All ages  

Frequently asked questions  

Costs, ticket and opening times

What’s on 

Pushchairs and prams are welcome in York Art Gallery

Breastfeeding – you can breastfeed wherever you feel comfortable, there are sofas in many of our galleries and breast-feeding cushions available.  

Eat – Children’s food is available at York Art Gallery’s Café, Sketch, or enjoy a picnic in the Museum Gardens. 

Facilities and access for Families 

• There is ramp access to York Art Gallery 

• Most spaces are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs 

• Baby Changing Facilities are available 

• Lift access to most spaces  

• Activity areas in all of our galleries to encourage playful and sensory learning 

• Please visit our Access page for further details 

 

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