By Ines Min
For those who want to escape into the cool air and aura of art galleries but are worried about what to do with their children, youth-oriented programs are often available at these creative centers.
And, while tours are not necessary to fully appreciate a piece, two shows in Seoul that work best with some explanation are offering special guide services to those eager to bring the kids along.
The National Museum of Art, Deoksugung, is holding a special tours of its ``Realism in Asian Art’’ exhibition for students, from the summer vacation to the end of its run on Oct. 10.
The exhibition, jointly curated with the National Art Gallery, Singapore, brings together 104 works from 10 countries, and paints a historically-significant portrait of the Asian consciousness from the mid-1800s.
The material carries complex levels behind its organization, with even placement on the walls giving further insight into the work. The tours, available to children from upper elementary school to high school, will allow participating youth to fully experience the observations behind the art.
A workbook can also be downloaded for older students attending with a class, for those wishing to find more information and educational opportunities to view the exhibition on their own.
Tours will be provided twice a day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with additional tours emphasizing the work and history of a featured country at 2 p.m. Admission for children (ages 7 to 18) is 2,500 won while adult tickets are 5,000 won. The tours and workbook are in Korean only. For more information, visit asia.moca.go.kr.
The Savina Museum of Contemporary Art is offering activities and tours for its exhibition ``Observing Like Leonardo da Vinci,’’ on display till the end of the month.
The show brings together 12 artists who drew inspiration from the famous Renaissance painter’s scientific methods and approach. The Korean artists use a variety of mediums, from leaves to strands of hair, photographs to strings hammered into the wall to form words.
Activity programs include a tour of the exhibition for elementary students, followed by an opportunity to create art, growing into the idea of a ``young da Vinci.’’ Younger children can participate Tuesdays and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m., while classes for upper elementary students are held at the same time Wednesdays and Sundays, for 15,000 won.
Exhibition tours are held Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for 7,000 won. The showcase will run until Aug. 29. For more information, visit www.savinamuseum.com.