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, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience current exhibitions, make art, or watch a short film. All friends and family members are welcome.
Experience current Walker exhibitions Pao Houa Her: Paj qaum ntuj / Flowers of the Sky, Five Ways In: Themes from the Collection, and Carolyn Lazard: Long Take. Visit the Art Lab to create a paper landscape with artist Joli Grostephan and watch a short, family-friendly film in the Bentson Mediatheque.
This program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program.
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.
Activity Information
After viewing landscape photographs in the exhibition Pao Houa Her: Paj qaum ntuj / Flowers of the Sky, join teaching artist Joli Grostephan in the Art Lab to create a paper mosaic inspired by a landscape that is meaningful to you.
Stop by the Bentson Mediatheque to watch a short film! The film will loop throughout the day 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.
Scrambled by Bastiaan Schravendeel
When 19-year old Esra misses her train, she passes time playing a game on her phone until a vintage Rubik’s Cube puzzle challenges her attention. 2017, Netherlands, nonverbal animation with captions, 7 min.
Accessibility
To prepare for your visit, check out this Social Narrative.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.
Bios
Joli Grostephan is a practicing visual artist living and working in the Twin Cities. She graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2010, and is the visual arts department manager, an instructor, and an advocate at the Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts in St. Paul. Currently, she is working on two long-term projects: Man-Made Minerals, a sculptural response to personal and social concerns about the effects of petroleum and other pollution on Minnesota’s waterways and soil; and an untitled series of embroideries featuring snack food.
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.