Els animals del museu

On a quiet street in Vic, Catalunya, Spain, the MEV offers a small, hands-on workshop designed for children aged 3–8. Els animals del museu turns the odd creatures found in Romanesque and Gothic artworks into playful, makeable companions. The session lasts about one hour and invites kids to look closely at motifs on capitals, reliefs and painted panels, then build their own animal using simple materials and non-toxic paints.

What sets this activity apart in Vic’s cultural scene is its combination of museum study and hands-on making. Children handle art-inspired templates and collage elements under staff supervision, learning about scale, pattern and texture while connecting directly to local medieval imagery. The tactile focus suits kinesthetic learners; cardboard, paper, fibers and safe paints recreate the rough feel of carved stone and polychrome panels without risking original objects.

Families like the short, concentrated format. With a strict minimum age of three and a one-hour run time, Els animals del museu fits neatly into a morning or afternoon visit. Staff keep the pace calm and demonstrative, so even first-time museum visitors feel at ease.

Instructions are visual and often bilingual, lowering barriers for families who do not speak Spanish. Children depart with a handmade creature and a keener eye for medieval iconography. Small beasts and hybrid figures that might otherwise go unnoticed on friezes and capitals become recognizable after the workshop.

The activity links art history to play, showing how carved stone and painted panels once carried stories and community beliefs. Parents often report extended engagement with the collection after the session, as children point out animals they now know. Practical notes: minimum age is 3; sessions last about one hour.

Bring a smock if you mind paint, and plan for brief waits between back-to-back groups. Book via the referral link to confirm availability. Consider arriving ten minutes early to check in and ask staff about follow-up materials or family guides.

Making a creature can become a thread through future visits, helping children spot carved animals and painted beasts across the museum. This compact workshop invites curiosity and hands-on learning for little explorers.