The National Gallery of Art announced a new monthly program, First Saturdays.
On the first Saturday of the month—from March through May—the National Gallery of Art will host a daytime program of family-friendly activities based on each month’s theme, including “films, art making, talks, tours, and pop-up performances.”
The new program is similar to the gallery’s renowned National Gallery Nights, which occur on the second Thursday of each month and allowed attendees to engage in similar thematic activities within the museum. However, National Gallery Nights are held after hours for adults only.
“We hope to make the East Building the place to be the first Saturday of each month—whether you’re looking for activities for your child, a space to gather with friends, or an outlet to create art on your own,” Grace Murray, National Gallery of Art’s head of public programs, said in a press release. “Our aim is to replicate some of the highlights from our most popular programs, such as National Gallery Nights, and offer them in a relaxed daytime setting.”
The theme for the inaugural First Saturdays, taking place March 4, is a celebration of the current exhibit “Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South.”
The program will start at 10:30 a.m. with a children’s film, followed by crafting art inspired by the “Called to Create” exhibit from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees can also go on a special tour of the exhibit with gallery educators at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., as well as wander a pop-up library of the gallery’s rare books and art from its collections.
The other two months’ First Saturdays themes are “spring season and cherry blossoms” and “East Building architecture” for May.
Though both are free events, unlike National Gallery Nights, First Saturdays a majority of the programs won’t require registration.
For more information, visit the National Gallery of Art website.