Bridging the Gap: Why Australian Galleries and Museums are More Family-Friendly Than You Think
As the Easter holidays loom, parents across Australia are no doubt brainstorming ways to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank. While many of our nation’s fantastic art galleries and museums offer free entry, a recent survey suggests a significant number of parents shy away from these cultural hubs. The research indicates that over a third (37%) of parents perceive these venues as “too adult-oriented,” with a further 27% expressing concern that their children won’t be made to feel welcome.
This perception is something that radio and TV presenter, and mum-of-two, Lauren Laverne, is keen to challenge. Having been a regular visitor to galleries and museums with her own parents as a child, and later taking her own sons to these cultural spaces, Laverne understands the hesitations some parents might have.
“I get why some parents might be a bit anxious,” Laverne explains. “Galleries can sometimes feel like these quiet, almost sacred spaces dedicated to art. If you’re worried about your kids making a bit of noise, I remember taking my son to the Tate Modern once, and he let out a massive scream in the Mark Rothko room. We’ve all been there! But the important thing to remember is that everyone in those spaces was a baby once.”
Laverne, who hosts popular shows like the Radio 6 Music mid-morning programme, Desert Island Discs on Radio 4, and The One Show on BBC television, strongly believes that galleries, brimming with creativity, are actually ideal destinations for children.
Art Spaces: A Haven for Curiosity
“A lot of galleries are actively seeking visitors, particularly families,” Laverne highlights. “They want people to come in, get involved, and bring their children. Far from being hushed temples where noise is forbidden, art galleries are fundamentally about creativity, curiosity, and even confrontation – all things kids excel at. In many ways, they should feel like natural environments for children.”
Laverne, whose sons Fergus (now 18) and Mack (15) have benefited immensely from their cultural excursions, is championing the Clarendon Fine Art “Subtle Art of Family” campaign. This initiative aims to demystify art and make it accessible to all ages, encouraging parents to explore local galleries and museums with their children.
Reflecting on her own upbringing in Sunderland, Laverne recalls a childhood rich with cultural exploration. “I was incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive home life. My parents, both from large families and growing up on council estates, were part of that Sixties generation who were encouraged to be curious and engaged. That’s how they raised us.”
“Visiting art galleries was simply a normal part of my life. It wasn’t just galleries, but museums and anything cultural. My parents were always deeply interested in them and always made us feel that these places were for us and accessible to us. They instilled that feeling in me, so by the time I had my own children, it felt completely natural to continue that tradition.”
The Undeniable Benefits of Cultural Engagement
The research further supports Laverne’s sentiments, revealing that over half (56%) of parents believe engaging with art helps families feel more connected. Additionally, 38% of parents report that cultural experiences actively contribute to their family’s emotional wellbeing.
“It’s fascinating that most people recognise the positive impact of these experiences,” Laverne observes. “The majority of parents can see the benefits that cultural outings bring to their family life and to their children. Yet, that lingering idea of galleries as quiet, adult-focused spaces remains a barrier. People might feel hesitant to take their children if they worry about noise or behaviour that deviates from what they perceive as acceptable, fearing judgment on their children’s conduct.”
Laverne is urging families to explore what their local galleries and cultural venues have to offer. She points out that many institutions now organise specific family activities and some even welcome well-behaved canine companions.
“It’s about families discovering what’s available in their local area, understanding the possibilities, and choosing what they feel comfortable with,” she advises. “We need to nurture the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts, encouraging them to engage with culture. It’s such a vital and significant aspect of our national identity.”
A Collaborative Effort: Galleries and Families
However, Laverne stresses that attracting families to galleries is a shared responsibility. She implores cultural institutions that currently lack family-focused programming to reconsider, as they are inadvertently excluding a significant segment of society.
“So much of what makes Britain appealing is intrinsically linked to its culture,” Laverne asserts. “We want future generations to connect with it, understand it, and feel that it’s an accessible and normal part of their lives and their conversations.”
Laverne acknowledges that while she frequently took her sons to galleries and cultural sites when they were younger, they went through phases of being less enthusiastic as they grew older. However, she notes that their engagement has since seen a positive resurgence.
“My eldest son started dating a girl who was really into photography,” she shares. “Suddenly, he was asking, ‘Are we members of such-and-such a gallery?’ He rediscovered his interest. I think when children reach their teenage years, there comes a point where they need to explore their own interests and define their identity. It’s a natural transition we’ve navigated with both of them.”
Her younger son, who has a passion for fashion, has led to frequent visits to renowned institutions like the V&A Museum, the Design Museum, and the “absolutely fantastic” Fashion and Textile Museum in London.
“He loves anything related to that, and we do too,” Laverne says. “It’s all about keeping an open mind and exploring what’s available. For teenagers, the key is to identify their interests and support them in pursuing them.”
She reiterates that many cultural venues offer free admission and encourages parents who may not have had similar experiences growing up to give it a go with their children, regardless of their own background.
“It wasn’t until I moved to London and began working in my current field that I realised some people held a rather snobbish view about someone with my accent having an opinion on art or music. That was quite a shock, as it was so contrary to how I was raised.”
A more profound experience for Laverne occurred in the summer of 2024 when she was diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, it was detected early, and she received the all-clear by November of the same year. This health scare profoundly reshaped her perspective, teaching her “so much about what truly matters in life.”
“I’m doing really well now,” she affirms. “I feel great and am simply enjoying life. I’m so happy to be here, witnessing the arrival of summer and savouring it. It’s about appreciating the simple things too. After going through a difficult time, you appreciate everything so much more, and that’s certainly true for me. I’m truly relishing every moment.”
Lauren Laverne is a spokesperson for Clarendon Fine Art’s Subtle Art of Family campaign.
