Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly, free 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 September, explore the exhibitions Allan Sekula: Fish Story, Among Friends: The Generosity of Judy and Ken Dayton, and Five Ways In: Themes from the Collection.
For the last time this summer, play a free round of mini golf on the Walker’s rooftop between 8 and 11 am (weather permitting). The one-of-a-kind course features artist-designed holes and an unrivaled view of the Minneapolis skyline.
To support the health and safety of visitors at increased risk for COVID-19, masks are required at Sensory Friendly Sunday for visitors over age 2. Accommodations are available, if someone in your party is unable to tolerate masking. Please email access@walkerart.org or call 612-375-7561 for more information.
This program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program.
Activity Information
Art-Making Activity, 8–11 am
Join teaching artist Anna Carlson in the Art Lab to create a brilliant blue cyanotype print using found objects.
Gallery Activity, 8–11 am
Explore the exhibition Allan Sekula: Fish Story with an interactive activity sheet that will invite you to imagine the stories behind the photographs.
Short Film, 8–11 am
Stop by the Bentson Mediatheque to watch the short film Cupids by Zoey Martinson. In the film, three young friends play matchmaker for their favorite bus driver. Will they help unlock a lasting love? The film is 10 minutes and will loop between 8–11 am. This is a relaxed screening with sound reduced. Visitors are free to come and go, move, and otherwise make themselves comfortable in the space.
Admission Tickets
While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage you to reserve your space ahead of time. Sensory Friendly Sunday is typically less busy from 8 to 9:30 am and busier from 9:30 to 11 am.
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. Content note: Mild crude humor. Sensory Note: Sudden loud school bell and children yelling 40 seconds into the film, lasting about 10 seconds; and a short, loud whistle four minutes into the film.
To prepare for your visit, check out this Social Narrative.
For information about accessibility, or to request additional accommodations for this program, call 612-375-7564, or email access@walkerart.org.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.
Bio
Anna Carlson is an interdisciplinary artist and educator based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Working at the intersection of textiles, moving image, and sculpture, she examines ideas of loss and preservation. Carlson uses both personal and found family histories as a means to tell abstracted stories, ultimately blurring the lines between fiction and reality. She currently works as a teaching artist at the Textile Center of Minnesota and received a BFA from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2022.
