Where Art and Science Meet

Come explore what things are made of in our new art and science discovery and play space for kids ages 3–11 and their families.

The 81st Street Studio is free to children and their caregivers—no Museum admission required. Please note that due to space restrictions, entry is first come, first served. During especially busy times, we will need to enforce 30-minute limits for playtime.

The 81st Street Studio is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Sunday, 10 am–5 pm. Last entry is at 4 pm. At times the space is closed on Friday mornings to accommodate school group visits.

Please note: the 81st Street Studio will close at 1 pm on Tuesday, December 24 and on Tuesday, December 31.

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Plan your visit

  • Due to high demand, entry is first come, first served and subject to capacity limitations.
  • When you arrive, sign up for a time slot. Advance and online reservations are not available.
  • Children must be accompanied by and cared for by an adult at all times. Met staff are not responsible for looking after your child.
  • Be mindful of other visitors and share the space. Please limit your visit to 30 minutes so more people can enjoy the 81st Street Studio.
  • If you experience light or noise sensitivities, talk to Met staff.
  • Sorry, no eating or drinking.
  • Limited stroller parking is available at your own risk.
  • Still have questions? See our FAQ.
  • If you are an educator and/or museum professional and would like to visit the 81st Street Studio without a child, please contact [email protected]. Visits are scheduled at the discretion and availability of the staff.

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! Best for kids ages 7 and up. Ask Met staff for details.
Settle in for Storytime

Settle in for Storytime

Join us for Storytime in the 81st Street Studio on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, September through June! (Though please note that we don’t offer Storytime during New York City public school breaks). Each 30-minute session is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and led by experienced storytellers and musicians. See the full Storytime schedule.

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.

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

Learn more about our programs for families, or contact 212-570-3961 or [email protected]. Learn more about the works of art in The Met collection featured in the 81st Street Studio.

Learn more about the reference images and videos featured.

The Interactive Musical Station was designed by Yamaha.

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