Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment with accommodations such as quiet spaces, noise-reduction headphones, fidgets, and sunglasses available.
Experience current Walker exhibitions Liz Larner: Don’t put it back like it was, Pao Houa Her: Paj qaum ntuj / Flowers of the Sky, and Carolyn Lazard: Long Take; create a puppet self-portrait with teaching artists Phoebe Mol and Candace Ogborn; and watch a short, family-friendly film.
This June–September (weather permitting), play a round of mini golf on the Walker’s rooftop between 8 and 11 am. The one-of-a-kind course features 10 distinctive, artist-designed holes, including a new addition created in collaboration with Asian American Organizing Project.
Please note that a photographer will be present from 9 to 11 am to document the program. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let a staff member know when you check in at the desk upon arrival.
Admission Tickets
While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage you to reserve your space ahead of time. Sensory Friendly Sunday is typically less busy 8–9:30 am and busier from 9:30–11 am.
Masks are required at Sensory Friendly Sunday by visitors over age 2.
To prepare for your visit, check out this Social Narrative. For more information about accessibility, call 612-375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
This program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program.
Short Film Information
Stop by the Bentson Mediatheque to watch a short film! The film will loop throughout the program between 8 and 11 am. Capacity is limited to 10 people at a time. This is a relaxed screening with sound reduced, appropriate for all ages. Visitors are free to come and go, move, and otherwise make themselves comfortable in the space. Please maintain a 6 foot distance from people not in your group.
Polar Bear Bears Boredom by Koji Yamamura
Narwhals, otters, and dugongs may be exciting to you, but to a sleepy polar bear they’re just part of another boring day. 2021, Japan, animation in English and Japanese with captions, 7 min.
Sensory note: This film begins with a strobing effect during the opening credits that lasts approximately five seconds.
Art-making Project
Now it’s your turn! Visit the Art Lab to create your own artwork. A new project is offered every month.
In August, join teaching artists Phoebe Mol and Candace Ogborn in the Art Lab to create a puppet self-portrait.
About the Artists
Phoebe Mol (she/they) is a teaching artist who draws, makes comics, and works with textiles. They are excited by accessible art spaces and nonlinear storytelling.
Candace Ogborn (she/her) is an artist who works in many mediums: painting, fibers, beads, and cardboard. She has been an artist at Interact Center for about two years, taking classes, experimenting, and recently focusing on puppet-making. She is excited about characters and worlds that come out of the puppets she creates.
Accessibility
Skyline Mini Golf is partially accessible. All holes are playable from the perimeter, if guests are unable to step onto the holes.
Sensory note: This short film Polar Bear Bears Boredom begins with a strobing effect during the opening credits that lasts approximately five seconds.
For more information about accessibility or to request additional accommodations, call 612-375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.
Attendance Requirements
Masks are strongly encouraged inside the museum for all visitors ages 2 and older regardless of vaccination status. On Free First Saturdays and Sensory Friendly Sundays, we require visitors ages 2 and older to wear face masks inside the building to support the safety and comfort of families and attendees.
If you have questions or require additional assistance, please email orders@walkerart.org or call 612-375-7600.
