Brooklyn Museum050

If your kids aren't completely sated by the Metropolitan Museum's Egyptian collection, check out The Brooklyn Museum.

The museum's collection of ancient Egyptian art is generally acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world. It includes a chronological presentation ranging from 1350 BC during the reign of Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, through the regime of Cleopatra VII, and includes such diverse objects as elaborate cosmetic containers and pieces of jewelry of the New Kingdom in alabaster, wood, ivory, faience, and gold, important Dynasty XXV reliefs of the major deities Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, as well as the world famous Brooklyn Black Head of the Ptolemaic Period.

The permanent collection also includes art from Africa, Asia, South America and a wonderful section on decorative arts.

Every weekend, the museum presents family drop-in programs. Arty Facts allows kids ages four to seven and adult friends to explore the galleries and create their own art (Sat-Sun 11am and 2pm). Stories and Art, held Saturdays at 4pm, serves up storytellers, authors, and educators.

The museum's Gallery/Studio Program offers a series of challenging studio art courses for students ages six to adult. Participants develop art skills through studying the museum's collections and special exhibitions and experimenting with materials and creative techniques in hands-on classes. Instruction is available in painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, digital photography, and mixed media. Each class has nine two-hour sessions, usually on Saturdays or Sundays.

Membership: Family/Dual $85; Individual $55. Benefits include one year of general admission, 10% discount at the Museum shops and cafés, 20% discount on a special Members-only shopping day, four to six complimentary parking passes, two to four complimentary film passes, two complimentary one-time guest passes, subscription to the bimonthly Member's Bulletin, invitations to exhibition preview receptions, opportunities to participate in special Member-only events, discounts on Public Programs, reduced subscription rates on many art and art-related magazines.