10 things families should know about Remai Modern
You may know Remai Modern as being home to the most complete collection of Pablo Picasso linocuts in the world or, as Saskatoon's most prominent art gallery… but do you know all it has to offer for families? As a parent & Remai Modern member myself, I share my experiences at the gallery quite often on my Instagram page (which you should follow for loads of local content!!) but I realized, I’ve yet to make it blog-official! Whether your family is from Saskatoon or you’re planning to visit, this one’s for you. Here are 10 things every family should know about Remai Modern:
Admission is by donation for adults & free for youth under 18. Thanks to an amazing recent $10 million gift from Ellen Remai, the gallery is now truly accessible to ALL. So go with your family, and go often!
There is an art studio open on weekends for anyone to make art. The RBC Creative Space operates Saturdays 12-5, and Scotiabank Something on Sundays runs Sundays 1-4. There’s a plethora of supplies, prompts related to the exhibits, and staff to facilitate. It's fantastic open-ended programming for all ages!
Exhibits change quite often so there's always something new to take in! Right now, Nick Cave’s Spinner Forest promises to awe every person who takes it in, from babies to seasoned patrons. Sometimes it’s enough for the kids to simply look at the art but what I appreciate is the conversations that come out of it. How it makes my kids feel, what the artist wanted us to think about… the ideas that come out when my children experience art often surprise me!
There are stroller tours. These events are perfect for getting your steps in (especially in the cooler months) while building your family's relationship with art. And, there are free public tours every day at 2pm.
Discovery Cinema is back! This Saturday afternoon matinee series is aimed at all ages. This season, watch crowd favourites from the past five years at Remai Modern. Saturdays at 1pm in the
Your kids will love the “merry-go-round” located in the alcove under the stairs on the second level. Céline Condorelli’s work “Conversation piece: Spinning” challenges and reimagines what museums can be by inhabiting an in-between space of Remai Modern and inviting visitors to get hands-on.
The gallery hosts Febuary break camps as well as summer camps. I keep my A-Z list of Summer Camps in Saskatoon up to date with details annually.
Have you been to LUGO? The junior version of WEGO takes place in the summer and combines art and music for an interactive festival that is a huge hit for kids. Also, it’s free!
I’ve blogged about the Remai Modern Gift Shop before— it really is a hidden gem of a toy store! I can’t think of another shop that’s more curated to my artistic daughter’s taste (their Hey Clay selection alone is worth the trip) and the prices are so reasonable.
Remai Modern is a light-filled, wonder-filled place that photographs beautifully. Maybe this is the social media person in me but some of my favourite photos of my kids were taken next to the gallery’s river-facing windows. Never be shy about capturing your babies & you in good light!
I’m sure I could add to this list but what I hope you take away is that Remai Modern is truly for everyone. If you’re able to purchase a membership, all the better. But if your budget is tight, please take Ellen Remai up on her incredible gift of admission, and enjoy.
xo Maygen
p.s. This just in from Remai Modern Co-CEO Aileen Burns: there is going to be a showing of children’s art March to May next year that visitors can add to. So cool!
