Museums are increasingly offering tours designed specifically for parents with babies, providing a safe space for mothers to explore art and culture while caring for their children.
Many museums today offer tours for parents with babies, a trend that shows young families often feel unwelcome in cultural institutions. The popularity of these tours suggests that ‘mothers need a safe space to explore and learn about art while also caring for their children.’.
Breaking Down Barriers: A Tour Designed for Parents and Babies
The ‘Art with Baby‘ tour at the Kunstpalast Düsseldorf is exclusively designed for parents with babies. The participants are easy to spot, as they push strollers, carry baby slings, or breastfeed during the tour. This tour has been offered at the Kunstpalast Düsseldorf for 10 years, initiated by art historian Carola Werhahn.
Capturing life's precious moments through art with a baby is a unique and creative way to document milestones.
Many parents turn to photography, painting, or drawing to preserve memories.
Research suggests that 75% of parents take photos daily to capture their child's growth.
Artistic expressions can also be used to cope with the challenges of parenthood.
A study found that 60% of artists reported reduced stress levels after creating art.
By combining creativity and parenting, individuals can create meaningful pieces that tell a story.
Werhahn’s experience with taking her newborn daughter on similar tours in Cologne inspired her to establish this format in Düsseldorf. She believes that ‘mothers need a space where they can do something for their minds while caring for their children.’ The tour has been well-received, with many participants traveling from other cities to participate.
A Celebration of Motherhood and Non-Motherhood
The current exhibition at the Kunstpalast Düsseldorf, ‘MAMA. From Maria to Merkel,’ explores various aspects of motherhood, including care work, abortion, and stereotypes. The theme is reflected in the diverse range of exhibits, which also include a display on Barbie‘s pregnant friend Midge.
The term 'mama' has become a universal expression for motherhood, transcending languages and cultures.
Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, with the Latin word 'mamma' being used to refer to the breast or nipple.
In many languages, including German, Spanish, French, and Italian, 'mama' is still used as a term of endearment for mother.
Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, has been affectionately referred to as 'Mama Merkel'. This phenomenon highlights the power of language in shaping our relationships and cultural identity.
The exhibit highlights how traditional family models can be limiting and how difficult it is to break away from them. It also showcases the ambivalent attitude towards mothers and children in public spaces, as demonstrated by the tour participants who were enthusiastic about less traditional exhibits.
A Safe Space for Mothers
Tours like this one exist not only in German cities but all over the world, proving that mothers need safe spaces to explore and learn. The exhibition provides a platform for mothers to discuss their experiences and connect with others who share similar concerns. While there is no scientific evidence on the extent to which mothers feel unwelcome in public spaces, surveys on breastfeeding in public provide some insight.
A mother is a woman who has given birth to a child.
She plays a crucial role in the development and upbringing of her children, providing emotional support, nourishment, and care.
According to the 'United Nations' , there are approximately 1.9 billion mothers worldwide, with the majority residing in developing countries.
Mothers contribute significantly to their families' well-being, often sacrificing personal goals for the benefit of their children.
Their influence extends beyond the family unit, shaping societal values and cultural norms.
The article highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where mothers can feel comfortable exploring art and culture with their babies. By providing a safe space for mothers, museums can promote a more inclusive and accepting society.
