ulster museum NEW ART - HOORAY!

SuperMum2010

There was a thread here a while ago re the ulster museum and various levels of enthusiasm for the modern art exhibition were expressed .

Have just read that a new exhibition starts today to include Irish and International art, like Paul Henry, Jack B Yeats etc...just in time for a new easter break visit methinks - I will definitely be heading down to see it and to show my kids that some art is actually done by adults with immense skill !!!

caz2703

Going to hijack your thread slightly

What is the museum like now it's been revamped? I remember it fondly from my childhood in the 80s and would love to take the kids (8 months and 6 years) but I'm worried it's lost it appeal and become too modern. I used to love seeing the Mummy and other old artifacts (cavemen etc) and the shop was fantastic for mini dinosaurs and stones like quartz.

Any experience greatly appreciated.

SuperMum2010

Hijack away!!! New museum is still very good - all the old exhibits still there, our highlight is always Takabuti, although she is now in a smaller room which can get very busy and I think the museum didnt plan that bit very well! But my 11, 7 and 4 year olds LOVE it - there are a lot more interactive areas, enclosed and great fun which they all love. My kids miss the old dark area with the giant squiddy thing which used to terrify them but they still always insisted on putting themselves through it! It isnt there any more. But I would still highly recommend it, its free, the cafe is lovely, and not too pricey for a museum, and the shop is also very good with little cheap things for kids too...go for it!

Belfast_Mum_2

They have a few new activites for kids that I don't think they had before. There's a room with toys/book/puzzels and dressing up clothes. Along one wall they have built in dolls houses were kids can open the doors and then pull out drawers below with things from that time period - gas masks etc - very hands on room.

Upstairs they have a lovely look out room with binoculars for bird watching and a big tree with little doors that conceal things inside.

My kids really enjoyed their visit.

seatzie

caz2703 - its free so no risk just go and see - my 4 year old liked it though he wanted to know why all the paintings in the art gallery looked exactly the same - fair comment lol

SuperMum2010

seatzie wrote: »

caz2703 - its free so no risk just go and see - my 4 year old liked it though he wanted to know why all the paintings in the art gallery looked exactly the same - fair comment lol

Hey we've come full circle :T Back to the new art - hooray!

caz2703

Ok so I'll keep on topic. The last time I saw 'art' it was in the Art College during finals and to be honest, most of it scared me! Is this 'art' you speak of the proper kind i.e. paintings of fields, trees, buildings etc?

SuperMum2010

caz2703 wrote: »

Ok so I'll keep on topic. The last time I saw 'art' it was in the Art College during finals and to be honest, most of it scared me! Is this 'art' you speak of the proper kind i.e. paintings of fields, trees, buildings etc?

Well I think it is real art, obviously its all subjective - but yes, its landscapes etc as opposed to splodges and lines. I just know the modern stuff they have had since opening just didnt "do it" for me, and my kids all thought the paintings had been done by children filling in numbered squares!!!

dianeio

Went for a visit yesterday to see the art you talk off - but it closed due to the press launch. I have waited so long to see those childlike paintings. I hope that the galleries are quiet as when I was on the 5th floor yesterday looking at the ceramics the noise echoing of the concrete everything was barney mad (groups of children having fun below floors ).

caz2703

'Art' in the Art College was compried of such horrid things as a Chucky type doll suspended in red liquid in a closed jar. Very Damien Hurst but not my cup of cha!

dianeio

I studied art at the Art college, and if that was the worse you seen - be relieved.