Art for children – visit the "I Paint" family zone

How to introduce a child to the world of art? First and foremost, by experiencing it and surrounding children with it from a young age. The creative "I Paint" zone in Stara Kordegarda, in Warsaw's Łazienki Park, is ideal for this. It's an educational and workshop space designed specifically for families with children. Its goal is to stimulate imagination and creativity, inspire artistic endeavors, and encourage them to explore the world of painting with all their senses. It's a place that introduces young children to art through free play and encourages parents to spend creative time with their children.

Art for children in the Royal Łazienki Park

"I Paint" is an unusual space, difficult to define precisely. It's somewhere between an exhibition, a museum corner, a workshop, and an educational zone. The works featured in the "I Paint" zone correspond to the collections of King Stanisław August, displayed at the Palace on the Isle. Initially (until mid-August), the space primarily referenced the Royal Rembrandt exhibition, which featured the painting "Polish Rider." In its current format, it will remain open until the end of 2022. However, we can expect the space to be extended and see further references to the royal painting collections.

"I've been painting since I was a child and I haven't stopped since..." - How to present art to children?

The zone was created with taste and sensitivity to encourage play and creativity. Here, art for children is presented in an accessible way – they can act, touch, explore, play freely, experiment with colors, and simply get dirty. All this takes place in an environment of works that don't intimidate or overwhelm, but are a natural and harmonious element of the surroundings. There's something for everyone here. The exhibition curators, Zofia Zaccaria, Lidia Iwanowska-Szymańska, and Monika Kawecka, have divided the zone into four sections: PLAY, which is for the youngest; COLLECT, following the example of artists and rulers of old; RELAX, also creatively; and WORK, CREATE, and EXHIBIT! All created with taste and sensitivity.

What exactly awaits us in the "I Paint" family zone?

The entire space has undoubtedly been designed with great thought. There's a carpet area for the little ones, as well as activities that will engage preschoolers and younger students. Toddlers can enjoy a collection of wooden horses, blocks, and classic rockers. This area also houses instruments, the most impressive of which is the rav vast drum, also known as the Ufo Drum, which is a must-have for both children and adults. Simple arts and crafts, such as folk motankas, are also available. Further on, walls displaying interesting collectibles await. Unlike a typical museum, these aren't just for admiration; on the contrary, everyone can take them down, touch them, look at them, and try them on. There's also a corner where you can relax, read books, or listen to classical music. The space also features a display stand for your own artwork, a stamp station, and a painter's workshop, where you can freely experiment with creating paint dyes. The final room, the painting studio, is sure to delight all children. Here, you can let your imagination run wild and paint freely on large, vertical surfaces.

I Paint Zone – practical information

The Old Guardhouse is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM. First admission 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM. Second admission 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Third admission. Reservations and email registration required: rezerwacje@lazienki-krolewskie.pl. Admission: 5 PLN per family - tickets available from Wednesday to Friday at the Old Guardhouse, and on weekends at the Podchorążówka ticket office. Admission is free on Fridays. The zone program includes many accompanying events, including entertainment for children, painting and educational workshops, and theater workshops for adults. Details are available on the Family Painting Zone website. Art for children should be accessible without restrictions, which is why the zone is adapted for people with sensory impairments. The space also takes into account the needs of people with disabilities. See also: Kur-de Balans! Endo at the National Museum! - Imagination Factory