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 a selection of current exhibitions, make art, or watch a short film. All friends and family members are welcome.
In July, explore the exhibitions Pacita Abad, Paul Chan: Breathers, and Among Friends: The Generosity of July and Ken Dayton.
This June through September (weather permitting), play a free 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 and an unrivaled view of the Minneapolis skyline.
On Sensory Friendly Sundays, we require visitors over age 2 to wear face masks inside the building to support the safety and comfort of families and attendees.
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 Info
Art-making Activity, 8–11 am
Enjoy a free round of mini golf for Sensory Friendly Sunday, then design your own handheld mini golf hole!
Gallery Activity, 8–11 am
Pick up an activity sheet in Gallery 1 and connect the dots to complete artworks from Pactia Abad’s Masks from Six Continents series.
Short Film, 8–11 am
Stop by the Bentson Mediatheque to watch a short film. In Unkraut (The Sky Is a Square) by Agnes Maagaard, young Chelar decides to take a stand against climate change in a unique way. The film is 12 minutes and will loop from 8–11 am. Capacity is limited to 10 people at a time. This is a relaxed screening with sound reduced. Visitors are free to come and go, move, and otherwise make themselves comfortable in the space.
Accessibility, Content, and Sensory Notes
Skyline Mini Golf is partially accessible. All holes are playable from the perimeter, if guests are unable to step onto the holes.
The short film will be captioned. Some content in the film may be difficult for sensitive and/or young children. Children in the film navigate a disagreement between friends and experience anxiety and anger related to climate change. A child mimes smoking a cigarette nine minutes into the film.
To prepare for your visit, check out this Social Narrative.
The exhibition Paul Chan: Breathers (Galleries A and B) contains mature language and themes. This downloadable resource provides more information about the exhibition and artwork. It also includes multiple kinetic sculptures composed of high-powered fans that inflate fabric sculptures, causing them to move. The fans produce sound.
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.
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