Non-European art, along with what art museums label “decorative arts and design,” often occupy basements and peripheral spaces. European painting collections, on the other hand, anchor many large collecting institutions and are usually  displayed in first floor galleries. This project explores how museum programing (specifically aimed at families with young children) can highlight objects that are traditionally marginalized, both in a museum setting and in our study of art history and design.

This family guide and activity booklet features six objects from the Saint Louis Art Museum’s non-European and decorative arts and design collection. Each object is accompanied by a description highlighting an important historical, cultural, or social function of the object in question. Related prompts direct children to write, draw, or explore other related objects in the gallery.