It’s a delight to see kids engage with art, even if it’s just spotting nudes and making all sorts of bizarre questions. But the quest to keep them entertained for a few hours can be quite a challenge. Why not try a guided walk specially designed for them? Today we take a look at Contexttravel’s London walks for families at The National Gallery.

It’s a delight to see kids engage with art, even if it’s just spotting nudes and making all sorts of bizarre questions. But the quest to keep them entertained for a few hours can be quite a challenge. Why not try a guided walk specially designed for them? Today we take a look at Contexttravel’s London walks for families at The National Gallery.

The National Gallery is rich with stories, from the imaginary to the historical. Contexttravel’s family walks will take kids on an exciting journey though the museum where they will meet the Greek and Roman Gods and learn how artists interpreted the stories of the holy books. 

Ariadne

© National Gallery, London. Bacchus and Ariadne, Titian, 1520-3. Ariadne, who was deserted on an island by her lover, Theseus, and then discovered by the god of wine, Bacchus.

Symbolism will be turned into a game where children will learn to recognise the signs and follow the clues to reveal the meaning of the artworks.

adolfini portrait

© National Gallery, London. The Arnolfini Portrait, Jan van Eyck, 1434. What does the hourglass symbolise? What does a dog, or a dove, or a horse represent in a painting?

Adults might also learn a thing or two about lesser-known gems or classic artists and their translations of great literary works and epic events into paintings.

turner

© National Gallery, London. The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up, Joseph Mallord William Turner, 1839

 

For more information about Contexttravel’s London Walks: Scholars with Small or Private Groups visit http://www.contexttravel.com/