Family Programs
We love having families at the CAT! Children of all ages are welcome at the museum. Our blog post offers tips to make the most of your visit with kids.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our family nook, where you can enjoy kids’ books, cozy seating, and sketching supplies. Scavenger hunts for Collidoscope (in both English and Spanish) will be available in the exhibition gallery.
Please note Collidoscope contains some nudity and challenging content. Explicit sexual acts or graphic violence are not depicted. A printed visitor guide will highlight works in the exhibition that are good for families to view and discuss together. Caregivers who are concerned about nudity can reference our Naked Truth: Taking a No-Nonsense Approach to Nudity in the Art Museum brochure.
Click to view the English version of Naked Truth.
Haga clic para ver el folleto en español.
Baby Time
Are you looking for a fun, free opportunity to get out of the house and spend quality time with your baby? Come to Baby Time! You and your baby will join museum educators and other families for a judgment-free, enriching, and supportive first introduction to an art museum. No reservation needed; just drop by if you can.
Baby sleeping? No problem – you’ll get a chance to view spectacular art while they rest. Baby crying? That’s ok! Babies cry, and museums don’t have to be quiet. Diaper blowout? We have changing tables in both our men’s and women’s restrooms.
Infants only, please. To ensure the safety of the art, and to allow us to keep our focus on the babies and their grown-ups, this program is not intended for babies who have started walking, toddlers, or older siblings. (Though they are all welcome when the CAT opens for regular public hours at 10:00!)
Upcoming sessions during Collidoscope include:
- Saturday, December 20, 9:00—10:00am
- Saturday, January 17, 9:00—10:00am
Story Time at the CAT
Designed for elementary-age kids, this program includes an educator-guided tour of the exhibition and a story reading led by a local children’s librarian.
Upcoming sessions during Collidoscope include:
- Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm—Transformations
Free, but pre-registration required. Tickets will be available approximately one month prior to program date.
You can see the projects from our previous Story Time events here.
Preschool Pals
This special program just for three- and four-year–olds includes an exhibition tour, a story, & an art project. Program lasts approximately 30-40 min.
Upcoming sessions during Collidoscope include:
- Wednesday, December 17 at 9:30am or 1:30 pm—Transformations
- Wednesday, January 14 at 9:30am or 1:30 pm—Creative Creatures
Pre-registration required. Tickets will be available approximately one month prior to program date.
Family Festival
The CAT’s second-annual Family Festival was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who made the day so much fun! We hope to see you again next summer; in the meantime, check out event photos HERE.
School Programs
Field Trips
The CAT hosts free student field trips on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Bus funding is available to cover the cost of transportation to the museum. At least 6 weeks’ advance notice is requested; availability is limited. Learn more about field trip parameters and what we can offer by clicking here.
In-Classroom Programs
If a field trip is not feasible, we can bring the museum to you! Free in-classroom programs include exhibition-related lessons that engage students with major themes and artworks on view at the CAT. We also offer an interactive Museum Careers presentation introducing students to the diversity of jobs available in art museums.
Programs are customizable. At least 6 weeks’ advance notice is required; availability is limited. Depending on your school’s distance from the museum, programs may be administered virtually.
To learn more or to book a school program, contact Laura Steefel-Moore.
Email: laura@catmuseumllc.com
Phone: 612.359.8991 x133
Teen Programs
CAT Teen Council
The application for the 2025-26 CAT Teen Council has closed. We will recruit for the 2026-27 Council beginning in spring 2026.
The 2024-25 Teen Council: Our inaugural Teen Council met from October 2024 – May 2025. To read more about their experience, visit HERE.
Adult Programs
Please see our Events page for upcoming adult programs and special events at the CAT.
Access Programs
Tours for Visitors with Memory Loss
Connections participants enjoy a relaxed, conversational tour of the museum’s exhibition in a safe and engaging environment.
The same program will be offered on December 9 and January 27; registrants should select their preferred date when reserving tickets.
- Tuesday, December 9, 2:00—3:30pm
- Tuesday, January 27, 2:00—3:30pm
Register using the tickets button below or contact Laura Steefel-Moore.
Email: laura@catmuseumllc.com
Phone: 612.359.8991 x133
Tours for Visitors who are Blind or Low Vision
Tours incorporating visual descriptions and tactile components may be scheduled for Tuesdays or Wednesdays. To schedule a tour, please call (612) 359-8991 or email info@cafesjianarttrust.org.
ASL-Interpreted Tours for Visitors who are Deaf
We are happy to provide an ASL interpreter for any tour with two weeks’ advance notice. To schedule a tour, please call (612) 359-8991 or email info@cafesjianarttrust.org.
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