April Vacation Week
10:00 am–4:00 pm
All are invited to April Vacation Week for free activities exploring connections between the people, places, and art made in Massachusetts.
All ages and abilities are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. See Visiting with Kids and Family for more information.
Events and Activities
Drop-In Art Making
Miniature Baskets
Gallery LG36
Wednesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:45 pm)
Baskets are functional objects that can also be elevated to an art form made with skill, imagery, and surprising material choices. Learn how to weave a small basket while discovering some of the techniques and materials New England–based artists have used.
Cross-Stitch Samplers
Galleries 137 and 138
Wednesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:45 pm)
Join Museum educators in the meditative practice of cross-stitch! Stop by the galleries to pick up an art kit and learn to stitch your own sampler using a template or a design of your own.
Jewelry Inspired by Massachusetts Artists
Shapiro Family Courtyard
Wednesday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:45 pm)
Design your own jewelry inspired by the Museum’s rich collection of local treasures. Use charms, pendants, jewels, and inscriptions to craft something that reflects your identity.
Candles in Massachusetts: Then and Now
Druker Family Pavilion, Room 159
Wednesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:45 pm)
Candles have been providing light, warmth, celebration, ceremony, and comfort for more than 5,000 years. Join us in creating and decorating candles inspired by candle makers from the Massachusetts region.
Scrimshaw
Druker Family Pavilion, Room 160
Wednesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:45 pm)
Ages 12 and up
Scrimshaw is the art of engraving whale bone with intricate, often nautically themed, designs. People in Massachusetts have been making scrimshaw for hundreds of years. Stop by to try your hand at “scrimshandering” using a synthetic material to carve your own locally inspired design!
Story Hour
Wednesday–Saturday, 11:30 am and 1 pm
Riley Seminar Room
Drop by for an interactive children’s story program. Stay for one story or for the whole hour.
Available on Friday, April 25, 1 pm
Family Tours
Wednesday–Saturday, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Meet at Sharf Visitor Center
Join us on a family-friendly tour that takes a closer look at the art of John Wilson and other innovative Massachusetts-based artists. Tours are 30 minutes and fun for all ages!
Available on Friday, April 25, 11:30 am
Wheelchair accessible