Where Art and Science Meet

This fall, come explore what things are of made of in our new art and science drop-in discovery and play space for kids ages 3–11 and their families.

The 81st Street Studio will be open during Museum hours (closing at 5 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings), and is free to children and their caregivers—no Museum admission required.

Join us for the opening celebration on Saturday, September 9, 2023, with a festival of art making, science learning, music, storytelling, games, and more!

Sign up for our MetKids newsletter to get the latest news on family activities at the Museum.

Learn more about the works of art featured in the 81st Street Studio.

Head in for hands-on and high-tech discovery

Head in for hands-on and high-tech discovery

Investigate the scientific properties of materials like wood, metal, and clay. Experiment at interactive stations: create a drum and learn about sound; try your hand at digitally printing from a woodblock; play around with light as you activate objects inspired by The Met collection.

Make materials sing

Explore how material affects sound on an organ, castanet wall, marimba, wave boards, drum station, and guitars custom built by Yamaha for the 81st Street Studio.
Dive into books

Dive into books

Explore a children's book collection designed to spark curiosity about materials and cultures around the world, delight, and ignite thinking about the intersections of art and science.

Become a Met Field Scientist

Pick up a free 81st Street Studio Family Field Guide to explore our galleries—and the world beyond—as a Met Field Scientist. The kit has instructions that guide discovery, and includes useful tools, a Look it Up reference booklet, and a field notebook for recording data and drawing conclusions. After your gallery adventure, collect stickers and earn a Met Field Scientist button! Ask Met staff for details.
Settle in for Storytime

Settle in for Storytime

Join us for Storytime on the weekend and Monday mornings! Each 30-minute session is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and led by experienced storytellers and musicians. Storytime returns on September 16, 2023. See the full Storytime schedule.

Plan your visit

  • Please anticipate a short wait time to access the 81st Street Studio on weekends.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Be mindful of other visitors and share the space.
  • If you experience light or noise sensitivities, talk to Met staff.
  • Sorry, no eating or drinking in the 81st Street Studio.
  • Limited stroller parking is available at your own risk.
  • Still have questions? See our FAQ

Schools and community groups can book a visit to the 81st Street Studio on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during the school year. Learn more about group visits.

Learn more about our programs for families, or contact 212-570-3961 or familyprograms@metmuseum.org.

The Interactive Musical Station was designed by Yamaha.

Renderings of 81st Street Studio, designed by KOKO + Design. Images courtesy of Brick Visual

A long table covered with crafts projects with one boy writing on a paper and a young girl looks up to her father

Family Programs at The Met

Look, learn, and create together during fun, interactive programs for kids of all ages and their parents/caregivers.

Teaser image for the #MetKids Microscope series showing an illustration of a sphinx and the profile of a statue of a sphinx

MetKids Microscope

#MetKids Microscope is a show about the science behind the art (and the art behind the science!) at The Met. Learn true stories about real discoveries from scientists at the Museum, and do some experiments on your own!

A young girl sits watching a bearded man sketch in the middle of the gallery floor

Family Guides

Set out on an adventure with a family guide. Hunt for details, uncover stories, and use your imagination to travel the world at The Met. Download a guide before your visit, or pick one up for free at the Information Desks.