Raclin Murphy Museum of Art — Attraction in Notre Dame

We were visiting friends in town from out of state and decided to try out this museum with our kids (6, 10, 14, 16). The front desk greeter was FANTASTIC (she deserves 5 stars) engaging with us and the kids. In our second area we noticed a man following us around the area. At first I was nervous about who he was before deciding he was a museum worker. This worker never said anything to us just followed us like we were doing something wrong-or waiting to catch us doing something wrong. When the youngest child in our group reached out to touch a sculpture he started yelling “NO! Don’t touch the art.” At the exact same moment the child’s mother was telling him not to touch anything. As a teacher, I understand the rules and why rules are important and we instill this in our children. However in the 10 minutes he followed us around he could have used that time to kindly say to the kids, remember to not touch the art to keep it preserved. But he chose to follow us, making us uncomfortable and then yell instead of allowing the parent to correct her child and use it as a teaching moment to educate instead of turning kids off to learning the culture and history of art museums. We went through a few more areas without any issues. Then we had a different worker come running into the area and say rudely stay 2 feet back from the paintings! No one in our group was too close to the paintings and there were no signs stating that this was a rule. Other art had a rope to show where to view it from or was behind glass. At this point we felt that we were not welcome in the museum and decided to finish quickly and leave. We did stop by the front desk with the kids’ bingo games and again the ladies there were top notch. They engaged with us about what we saw and asked if we had questions, which the answered. As a teacher and a parent, I wish all the employees had the same manner and desire to teach the kids and adults about the museum and the art. Had the other two used the same approach and kind explanation this would have been a 5 star visit. My hope is that all staff will be encouraged to reflect on how they can be the deciding factor in how guests view and feel when in the museum. If it truly is a museum that welcomes all-including kids, they may need to have some training on how to teach rules in a manner that promotes and educates the next generation of art...

If there’s one thing ND understands - it’s their branding and who they are. Beautiful building housing religious works as main with galleries of indigenous, South American and African American along with a modern take chapel. There’s a pencil sketch of Rembrandt of the Virgin and bulbous nose Child where you can clearly see a male face underfoot. Another painting has a crow with blood worm hovering and glaring at St John. Delightful. Squeeze in visit while on campus. Entrance at front so walk around. When landscaping is done and mature on the completed sculpture walk that will also be very regenerative and peaceful. The gallery attendant roamed and met us in different collections so maybe you will also get the personal shadow...

This is a small art collection with interesting artworks and art perspectives. They have different galleries with contemporary art, and Asian and Americas art. They also have a small chapel that I personally enjoyed being at, as well as a sacred art gallery. The sculpture garden is small but pretty enjoyable. They have safe lockers in the main entrance to leave bags, coats, and other accessories that can damage the artworks. There is a small coffee shop with a few items for sale, like book markers, postcards, and curated art books at a fair price. Entrance is free. Staff are so friendly and welcoming that they absolutely make one to come back to...