Families at the Barber
The Barber offers a range of activities for families to enjoy during their visit including a programme of creative events, as well an art trolley including free interactive resources and play objects to borrow and explore, housed in our foyer.
Please note: the Barber's galleries are closed for a major building improvement project, reopening 2026. Explore our offsite family events below.
Contact us: [email protected] or 01214143005
Barber Baby | Musical Picnics:
Thursday 20 March, 11am – 12noon
Free, Drop-in
Dome Rehearsal Room, The Bramall
For ages 0 – 4 and their grown-ups
Experience the magic of live music at The Bramall, inspired by selected works from the Barbers’ permanent collection. Ideal for ages 0 – 4 and their grown-ups, enjoy a varied mix of performers, styles and instruments and revel in the vivid connection between art and music.
No need to book – just turn up!
Access Information:
The Bramall Music Building has direct street access to the auditorium for wheelchair users. All of the other floors are accessible from one of two lifts. There is on-campus parking for £1 a day at weekends. We recommend you download the Ringo app ahead of visiting to make purchasing easier. The Bramall offers snacks and drinks in their café and also has baby change facilities should you need them.
If you have any questions about the event or accessibility please contact us by phone +44(0)1214143005 or email [email protected]
Art Trolley
Although the galleries have now closed, our foyer – where the Art Trolley lives – remains open.
Borrow looking tools, handling objects and drawing materials to explore the collection and create artworks.
The Art Trolley contains activities, objects and books related to the artworks. Enjoy some drawing, feel objects and materials, or sit and read together.
The stations are designed to be suitable for all ages and are available during the building's opening hours, Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
At Home
Our collection...your place. Projects to do from your kitchen table.
Zine-making with Sarah Taylor Silverwood
Inspired by Adriaen van Ostade’s drawing The Child and The Doll, join artist Sarah Taylor Silverwood to make a zine and reflect on time spent with your family, whoever and wherever they may be.
Create a Camera Obscura with Jo Gane
Explore our online exhibition Sights of Wonder by learning more about the Victorian photography of Francis Bedford. Bedford was the first photographer to ever accompany a royal tour. He photographed temples, pyramids, and people along the way.
St Ives Scrap Sculptures with Benny Semp
Inspired by our previous temporary exhibition Cornwall as Crucible?
Learn about the materials and techniques used by artists such as Barbara Hepworth, turning household scrap into amazing sculptures!