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Area Activity Guide: Mad Fun at the MAG

January 2018

Detour to the Memorial Art Gallery

How many times have you walked or driven past the MAG and thought, “I should go there”? Well, we’re here to give you plenty of reasons to make that next visit a reality. As though more than 12,000 works of art spanning 50 centuries weren’t enough, you can also take a hands-on class at the Creative Workshop, explore the sculpture garden, and enjoy a delectable lunch at the Brown Hound Downtown. But even if you’ve already seen enough Monet, Cezanne, Homer, and Matisse for two lifetimes, the permanent collection is just the tip of the iceberg. Rochester’s Memorial Gallery is home to dynamic events for every age and interest, all year round. Read on for some upcoming highlights.

Third Thursday MAG DeTOURS

Always out of town on First Fridays? Hit the MAG on a Third Thursday for a fresh new art experience. It’s not free, but it is fabulous. DeTOUR tickets include museum admission, along with an exclusive themed tour that is both engaging and entertaining. These tours focus on the personal lives of the artists, the inspiration and method to their madness, and lesser-known facts about some of the works in our collection.

Upcoming DeTOURs include:

  • The Relationship Between Art and Literature with Kyle Semmel, the Director of Writers & Books
  • I Heart DeTOURs℠ with Emily Hessney Lynch from I Heart ROC
  • The Hairy Details in Art with Nico Merritt, haircare extraordinaire, from Barbetorium
  • Game of Thrones and the MAGsocial — a costume-friendly exploration of art alongside the increasingly complex and critical roles gender plays in the fantastical series, the significance of suits of armor, jousting, dragons (obviously), landscape in terms of warfare strategy

Each tour includes activities, personal connections, and mind-blowing facts! Plus, you can stick around for…

MAG Music

The third Thursday of each month also features a special one-hour program featuring Eastman’s spectacular Italian Baroque Organ. Head to the Fountain Court well in advance of 7:30 to secure your spot for a first-come, first-served concert featuring some spectacular talent in a rotating cast of classical musicians. If you’re more of a matinee person, check out Sunday afternoon mini-recitals by students of the Eastman School of Music in concert with professional musicians. These “Going for Baroque” performances take place Sundays at 1 pm and 3 pm in the Fountain Court and are included with museum admission.

$5 Fridays

Keep an eye on the MAG’s event schedule to enjoy access to the museum from 5-9pm for just $5. Each $5 Friday features something different — live music, a film screening, a DeTOUR℠, or an art talk. You’ll also find lots of incredible deals at The Store @ MAG and Brown Hound Downtown.

Valentine #Schmalentine: Prom Rewind

Isn’t it about time you gave your prom a redo? Erase all those tired memories and replace them with a night of fabulous fun, spiked punch, and adult friends. Valentine #Schmalentine on February 9th is your opportunity to take back your prom in a setting that has all the nostalgia and none of the drama. The 80s and 90s soundtrack will put you in the perfect frame of mind to sit for a Tarot Reading or make a Voodoo Doll. Plus, there will be giveaways from Nox Cocktail LoungeSalena’s Mexican RestaurantThe Little TheatreTrader Joe’s, and Urban Decay. Ages 21+ only.