Pop Art and Huntopia: Back to the Taubman Museum of Art

We are proud members of the Taubman Museum of Art, a museum that always delights with unique and frequently-changing exhibits.  In the displays, there's something "modern," something "traditional," and something unexpected -- what a collection.  On a recent weekend, we stopped in to see the special exhibit Pop Power from Warhol to Koons.

I did need to give the kids a little context on the emergence of modern art, but even with a light treatment of the topic, they enjoyed the exhibit.  We found a sculpture that looked like it could have inspired Funko collectibles, a cool composite portrait of Seinfeld girlfriends, and collections of dots that made E ponder the definition of art.  G's favorites were Warhol images; E appreciated Gazing Ball (Koons).  There are selfie opportunities and cool events (sample here) associated with the works to explore, and the Leiber handbags currently on display are pop-art themed.  Speaking of photo ops, didn't E wear the perfect shirt?

We were also so very glad to stumble upon Huntopia, a world of color, delightfully replicating themes, and novel combinations.  As I put it, I wanted to live in the fanciful yet homelike exhibit which also features furniture and even has some elements on loan from Black Dog Salvage.  I just found this exhibit so delightful, and it ranks with Play, a previous special exhibit, and the amazing piece Corrugated Fountain among my favorite Taubman experiences.

In other exhibit news, both kids were pretty amazed at the works of Julie Speed, which are reminiscent of Hieronymus Bosch.  G was also quite immersed in the Giuseppina Giordiano: Please, Teach Me the Language of a Rose space.

Things to Know

• If you have kids with you, allow for playtime in Art Venture.  On our recent visit, 10-year-old E enjoyed the ample supply of Legos while G made new friends, putting on a play and painting leaf rubbings.  One of the great benefits of Art Venture is the amount of supplies and playthings available -- and the staff takes care to create enriching extension activities associated with the works on display.  

• General admission (exclusive of special exhibits and Art Venture) is free!
• It's worth your investment to become a member of the museum, even with the free admission to the main galleries, especially if you have kids or live close.  We maintain a family membership, catching renewals on sale through social media promotions.  This allows free access to Art Venture, special exhibits, and fun after-hours events for members only. Taubman members also enjoy reciprocity with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.  They have a similar model for free general admission, but members get free parking and special exhibit entry as a perk.  
• The museum is close to several unique restaurants in the Roanoke Market area.  On our recent visit, we were very pleased to eat at Cedars where the kids tried Lebanese food.  Speaking of the market area, we can't wait to return and check out the Chimes public art installation this February.
• We usually park at the Tower Parking Garage (Roanoke City public parking) -- Coupon Kim gets excited free days on the weekends.