Creative summer holiday activities for children at the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt
The Hessian State Museum in Darmstadt is again offering one-day workshops for children during the summer holidays of 2026. Places are still available for all four holiday programs.
The workshops are aimed at children aged eight and up and combine guided tours of the exhibitions with creative hands-on activities. Participation is limited to 15 children per workshop.
Discover art with Joseph Beuys
The series kicks off on Tuesday, July 14th, with the workshop “I found this stone on the moon – The Beuys Block at the State Museum.” Together with art historian Eva Nebhuth, the children will explore the works of Joseph Beuys and learn why the artist used unusual materials such as felt, copper wire, bone, or chocolate.
Afterwards, the participants create their own material sculptures.
On the trail of whales and sea monsters
On Friday, July 24th, the focus will be on the world of seafarers and marine life. Under the title "Of Wild Waves and Great Whales," children will embark on a journey of discovery with Dagmar Boltze through historical paintings and the museum's zoological collection.
Then, imaginative sea creatures of their own are created.
Fossils from the Messel Pit
The workshop “Little Fossil Researchers – Phenomena in Lake Messel” will take place on Thursday, July 30th. Together with Helga Langer, participants will travel back in time approximately 50 million years and learn about the Messel Pit fossil site.
In the practical part, fossils are cast in plaster and shaped.
Understanding perspective and image composition
On Wednesday, August 5th, the focus will be on the art of seeing. In the workshop "Little Magpie with a Big Role – Introduction to Perspective," children will explore the famous painting "The Magpie on the Gallows" by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
They learn the basics of color and aerial perspective and create their own paper collages.
Online registration is possible
All workshops take place from 11 am to 2 pm. Children should bring a lunchbox and drinks for the lunch break.
Participation costs €15, or €12 for concessions. With the Hessen Family App, the price is €13.50.
Registrations are possible via the online booking portal of the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt.
(DARMSTADT – RED/HLMD)
