By emphasizing creative expression and traditional art, the Museum of International Folk Art fosters curiosity and appreciation for its passion. Students can learn about the mission of folk art and visit multiple exhibitions, art collections, DIY activities, and hands-on learning opportunities. Spark interest and wonder about the world of art and discover how art creates and inspires creativity, relationships, and stories.
Self-guided school groups can schedule visits on Tuesdays, Fridays, and afternoons, with availability on Mondays, during school breaks, and in January. Guided tours are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, excluding school breaks and January, and must be scheduled at least one month in advance (two weeks for September). Elementary teachers can focus on exhibits like La Cartonería Mexicana or iNgqikithi yokuPhica, with a digital packet available for classroom projects. Middle and high school groups can choose any exhibit for their tour. All tours are subject to availability and cancellations may not be rescheduled.
With a variety of exhibits and tours available, educators can guide their students through multiple opportunities for art history and cultural appreciation. Between the Lines: Prison Art & Advocacy sheds light on incarceration through artwork, interviews, and community events, addressing themes of human rights, rehabilitation, and systemic oppression. Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection offers a unique glimpse into MOIFA’s vast collection, with staff-curated selections that showcase personal insights and diverse perspectives. For a timeless experience, Multiple Visions: A Common Bond, a permanent exhibit, features over 10,000 fascinating objects from the Girard Wing, ensuring new discoveries with each visit. There is also an abundance of upcoming exhibits, such as “Appearances Deceive,” running from June 8, 2025, to March 30, 2026, the first retrospective of Policarpio Valencia, showcasing his embroidered textiles that explore morality and mortality with wit and whimsy.
For little ones to experience hands-on art activities, the museum offers DIY projects perfect for the classroom. DIY Recycled Piñata highlights the history of piñatas, originally used for Christmas celebrations in Mexico during the Guadalupe-Reyes season. DIY Szopki introduces the Polish tradition of szopki, miniature puppet theaters carried by carolers during Christmas in Krakow. DIY Ofrendas: Altar Vision 2020 reflects on the Día de los Muertos tradition of creating ofrendas (offerings) to honor the deceased, featuring a contemporary altar by Santa Fe Santero Arthur Lopez, inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons plans are also available for teachers wanting to bring the education to their own classroom, or self-guide around the museum! Yokai: Ghosts and Demons of Japan explores the eerie yet entertaining world of yōkai, supernatural beings like ghosts, demons, and shapeshifters that spark fear and fascination in Japanese culture. Dancing Shadows highlights Indonesia’s wayang kulit, one of the world’s oldest and most revered storytelling traditions, which is central to Javanese culture.
The Museum of International Folk Art is the perfect opportunity to pique students’ interest and have them experience new traditions and artistic showcases. For an untraditional curriculum, get your classroom invested in the world of folk art and all it has to offer.
