Kalamazoo Institute of Arts — Attraction in Kalamazoo

My first time going to the KIA was today with my daughters first grade class. I was very excited and have heard great things. We didn't get much time in the museum but the time we spent was very disappointing. The first exhibit we saw was a corner piled up with candy. Now she had them sit around this candy and they were only allowed to talk about it. Not touch and especially not eat. You could see the torture on everyone of their faces. We did get to see an artist I believe her name was Ikaia? Or something near that. Her art was beautiful but she didnt give much about each piece and mostly talked to the kids about lines and shapes. I get it. They're first graders. But they were just deprived of a mountain of candy and sat and talked to a real artist about "lines and shapes" I think they would have enjoyed knowing more about the pieces she actually painted. The little bit of time we were there seemed like a bit of a stretch to call it a museum and I could tell the kids were just as disappointed as I was. I understand abstract art is a thing.. But a pile if candy in front if 30 first graders is just cruel lol..I was glad we didnt have to pay to get in. Staff was friendly and place was clean. I just had higher expectations for Kalamazoo...

The Kalamazoo Institute of art is a very good museum. it has predominantly art from 20th century and from 19 century. It also houses classes for the Kalamazoo Institute of art. The interesting aspect of the museum for me was the way the artworks were arranged, and the information that is provided for them. I especially liked the compare and comparison in the temporary exhibition that they had in October 2024. The museum has great lighting, and the architecture is designed so that the artwork can be viewed easily and without disruption. The sculptures outside of the museum are well placed. There is a parking across the street for the museum. The museum has three levels.The third level houses the offices for the museum, the ground level is the temporary exhibitions and day lower level houses the Art institute classes as well as the permanent collection. There are many events and workshops held in the museum. The museum is available for rentals for weddings and...

Sadly, the docent ruined our experience from the start. I came in with seven art students during Art Hop. There was an interactive exhibit in which patrons could use an app on their phone or use provided tablets. A few of the students used the tablets, and the docent followed them like they were shoplifters. I had a question for her and tried to get her attention three times (I am a 50-year-old woman dressed in business casual attire for reference) before she literally gave me the hand. She apologized and said she had to keep the tablets in her sight at all times. She even pointed at two of my kids, rolled her eyes, and shook her head. I told her they were with me. She began backtracking immediately, but too late. First, never judge a patron like that. Second, she’d make a better mall cop than a museum docent. I’m disappointed that this was some of the kids first...