The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) invites all to celebrate the winter holidays during its annual Great Art Escape Dec. 27 – 30. The event features features fun for all ages including art activities, live performances and flashlight tours in the Green Building and glass blowing demonstrations in the Glass Pavilion. Event programs are free and do not require registration – unless otherwise noted in the schedule.
In addition, visitors can view the museum’s current exhibitions including Africa Unmasked: The Art of the Continent Across Time and Space (Gallery 1); Beth Lipman: ReGift (Gallery 18); Expanding Horizons: The Evolving Character of a Nation (New Media Gallery); and Jordy R. Pomas: Las Curiosas (Robert C. & Savage Community Gallery).
The Great Art Escape is made possible by Public Programs Presenting Sponsor, the Appold Family; and Annual Public Programs Sponsor, the Rita Barbour Kern Foundation.
2023 Great Art Escape Schedule of Events
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27 | MUSEUM HOURS: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Art Activities | Family Center
Create wonderful, winter-themed works of art with your family this holiday season. All supplies provided. Registration required.
12:30 – 1 p.m. | Storytime in the Galleries | Wolfe Gallery
Join librarians from the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for a fun and engaging story time featuring winter art-themed books and activities.
1 – 4 p.m. | Drawing in the Galleries | Takes place throughout the galleries
Draw with our teaching artists in the inspirational TMA galleries. All supplies provided. No experience necessary.
2 – 3 p.m. | Dutch Organ Performance | Gallery 24
Delight in music played by the Toledo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists on our beautiful 18th century Dutch cabinet organ.
2, 3 and 4 p.m. | Glassblowing Demonstration: Fables & Fairy Tales | Glass Pavilion
Watch our team of studio glass artists create whimsical pieces inspired by your favorite childhood stories.
5 – 6 p.m. | Flashlight Tour: Night at the Museum | Meet in Herrick Lobby
Explore the TMA at night with an exclusive flashlight tour led by a TMA docent. Tour costs $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers and includes free parking and complimentary flashlight.
THURSDAY, DEC. 28 | MUSEUM HOURS: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Art Activities | Family Center
Create wonderful, winter-themed works of art with your family this holiday season. All supplies provided. Registration required. Register online at toledomuseum.org or in person at any Visitor Experience Desk.
Noon – 4 p.m. | Sensory Area | Near Little Theater
Visit this quiet area to unwind and relax with fidget toys and comfy seating. Ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones and weighted lap pads are available to borrow from any Visitor Experience Desk or the Family Center.
12:30 – 1 p.m. | Story Time in the Galleries | Wolfe Gallery
Join librarians from the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for a fun and engaging story time featuring winter art-themed books and activities.
1 – 4 p.m. | Drawing in the Galleries | Takes place throughout the galleries
Draw with our teaching artists in the inspirational TMA galleries. All supplies provided. No experience necessary.
2 – 4 p.m. | Mike Williams on Sax | Africa Unmasked (Gallery 1)
Reflect on the New Year with inspirational music performed by Toledo saxophonist Mike Williams.
2, 3 and 4 p.m. | Glassblowing Demonstration: Fables & Fairy Tales | Glass Pavilion
Watch our team of studio glass artists create whimsical pieces inspired by your favorite childhood stories.
FRIDAY, DEC. 29 | MUSEUM HOURS: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Art Activities | Family Center
Create wonderful, winter-themed works of art with your family this holiday season. All supplies provided. Registration required.
12:30 – 1 p.m. | Storytime in the Galleries | Wolfe Gallery
Join librarians from the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for a fun and engaging story time featuring winter art-themed books and activities.
1 – 4 p.m. | Drawing in the Galleries | Takes place throughout the galleries
Draw with our teaching artists in the inspirational TMA galleries. All supplies provided. No experience necessary.
2 – 3 p.m. | Dutch Organ Performance | Gallery 24
Delight in music played by the Toledo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists on our beautiful 18th century Dutch cabinet organ.
2 – 4 p.m. | Snowflake Paper Cutting | Glass Pavilion
Meet local artist Mary Gaynier and cut out paper snowflakes in patterns inspired by the TMA glass collection.
2, 3 and 4 p.m. | Glassblowing Demonstration: Fables & Fairy Tales | Glass Pavilion
Watch our team of studio glass artists create whimsical pieces inspired by your favorite childhood stories.
8 – 9 p.m. | Flashlight Tour: Night at the Museum | Meet in Herrick Lobby
Explore the TMA at night with an exclusive flashlight tour led by a TMA docent. Tour costs $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. It includes free parking and a complimentary flashlight.
SATURDAY, DEC. 30 | MUSEUM HOURS: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Art Activities | Family Center
Create wonderful, winter-themed works of art with your family this holiday season. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Noon – 4 p.m. | Sensory Area | Near Little Theater
Visit this quiet area to decompress with fidgets and comfy seating. Ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones and weighted lap pads are available to borrow from any Visitor Experience Desk or the Family Center.
1 – 4 p.m. | Drawing in the Galleries | Takes place throughout the galleries
Draw with our teaching artists in the inspirational TMA galleries. All supplies provided. No experience necessary.
2 p.m. | A Holiday at the Museum Ballet Performance | Great Gallery
Be mesmerized by this graceful and enchanting ballet set against the beautiful backdrop of the TMA art collection.
2, 3, 4 and 6 p.m. | Glassblowing Demonstration: Fables & Fairy Tales | Glass Pavilion
Watch our team of studio glass artists create whimsical pieces inspired by your favorite childhood stories.
For more information about the Great Art Escape and its most up-to-date schedule of events, please visit toledomuseum.org.