Family Day at the Bechtler Puts Spotlight on Firebird

Join the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Nov. 8 for a day of family-friendly activities that spotlights one of the museum’s most well-known sculptures – Firebird. Throughout November, the Bechtler is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Firebird, the playful mirrored, mosaic sculpture at the museum’s outdoor entrance plaza. Firebird, the work of French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, has become something of a cultural mascot for uptown Charlotte since its installation in November 2009. Whether your family has seen the sculpture before or not, Family Day will be an exciting way to experience it.

Throughout the day, families can choose from a host of activities including art projects, story time, gallery games, family-friendly tours and more. Create imaginative animal-shaped artwork inspired by Firebird and Niki de Saint Phalle’s work. Tour the Firebird Interactive Gallery where kids can read, draw, write and play with puzzles. You can also have fun putting mosaic tiles on your very own Firebird.

Family Day is from noon to 4:30 p.m., families can drop-in anytime. Admission is free for children under age 18 and $8 for adults. Art activities are intended for children ages 5 and older. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is located at 420 S. Tryon St. For more information, visit bechtler.org.

Before your family goes to the Bechtler’s Family Day, enjoy the Charlotte Symphony Lollipop’s presentation of the The Emperor’s New Clothes at 11 a.m. at Knight Theater (which shares lobby space and is connected to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art). The Charlotte Symphony has transformed the classic story into an animal fable with a big, pink Emperor pig, and puppet adaptation that includes audience interaction. Tickets are from $19.50-$25.50 and available online at charlottesymphony.org.