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Visitors enjoying a Drop-In Art Making activity in the East Building Atrium.

First Saturday: May

First Saturdays

  • Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • East Building
  • Festivals
  • In-person

Immerse yourself in art! Stop by our Drop-in Artmaking tables to make your own creation, become a work of art by getting your face painted, and listen to a storybook read aloud. Plus, little ones and their families can enjoy performances of the mythological tale of “Little Hawk and the Magic Quest,” featuring ceramic instruments from Latin America.

On the first Saturday of each month the East Building comes alive with art making for all ages, films, pop-up experiences, and more. Learn about upcoming First Saturdays.

Fun for kids

Storytime

East Building Atrium, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Let’s play together while reading aloud the children’s book Mommi / Mami writen and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli in English and Spanish. We welcome all ages, especially our youngest visitors and nursing parents.

Details

Fun for Kids

Face Painting

Education Studio, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Become a work of art! Stop by the Cascade Café to get your face painted from The Face Paint Lady Inc. 

Details

Fun For Kids

Drop-In Artmaking

East Building Atrium, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
First come, first served

Drop-in artmaking is a great way to try your hand at creating art in an informal, relaxed environment. Artmaking activities are designed for all ages and abilities.

Details

Fun for Kids

Pop-Up Library

East Building, Ground Floor - Library, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Curious to know more about the works of art in the museum? Leaf through pages of an exhibition catalog or settle in to read a whole chapter about an artist, movement, or theme, along with quiet activities for kids. 

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Fun for Kids

Sketching Lab

East Building Atrium, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Visit our sketching lab to activate your imagination and ideas.

Drawing activities are designed for all ages and abilities; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Details

Fun for Kids

Kids' Play Space

East Building Atrium, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.
First come, first served

Designed for our littlest art lovers. Play, build, sort, and stack in a hands-on space.

Details

Guided Tours

Sculpture Garden Guided Tour

Outdoor Sculpture Garden, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tours are free and reservations are not required.

Join us Friday through Sunday in the National Gallery’s outdoor Sculpture Garden for an engaging tour that explores modern and contemporary sculpture in a landscape setting. 

Our one-hour tours meet in front of the Pavilion Café located on the west side of the fountain.

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