Cass Sculpture Foundation with kids: art with a toddler

Looking at sculpture isn’t the kind of thing that tends to top the list of family-friendly activities. But I suspect the people who compile those lists haven’t considered the Cass Sculpture Foundation with kids.

[EDIT: This has since closed down – for more ideas of things to do in Sussex with kids, check out this post]

A few minutes from the Goodwood Hotel, it was also the perfect way to occupy Minnie and her dad on a gorgeously sunny Spring day… as I went off to play with vintage dresses and have my make-up done.

review stay*

The whole idea behind the Cass Sculpture Foundation is interesting. A not-for-profit charity, they commission works from emerging and established artists, which then go on display in the grounds with more than 80 sculptures across 26 acres.

When any of the pieces are sold, money goes back to the artist and to the foundation to support the next commission – so far, a total of over 400 works in 20 years.

Currently there’s ‘Icarus Palm’, made from tyres and steel, a ‘Stairway’ into the sky representing time, a headless elephant and a piece by Antony Gormley among many many others.

In practice, you’re given a map with a list of the current sculptures plus a short overview for some, and get to wander at will to see what you discover (although there are helpful yellow arrows to point you onwards if you need them).

And that was half the fun, according to Minnie’s dad. While some are big enough to see well before you reach them, others are less obvious so you’ll turn a corner and suddenly discover something new – both literally and figuratively.

It does mean that, as he did, you might saunter over to a small building wondering what it symbolises… only to discover it’s a toilet. (As he points out, I married him for his incredible good looks)

No intimidatingly hushed museum, it’s simply a chance to explore the art on your own terms and at your own pace. What makes it even more family friendly is the fact you can interact with the sculptures (although you are asked not to climb them), with no real fear of a toddler demolishing something priceless.

Although it’s better with older children, provoking conversations as you walk, even a 20-month-old can investigate and enjoy art when it means big shapes, bright colours and interesting patterns.

Need to know: Cass Sculpture Foundation with kids

Cass Sculpture Foundation opens from April to November – check the website for the precise dates. Adult entry costs £12.50, children (five to 16) are £6.50 and under fives go free.

Disclosure: My husband’s entry was courtesy of the Foundation which also opened specially to let them explore (thank you!). All opinions are our own. Including his suggestion not to include the mistake about the toilet (which I ignored because it made me laugh).

Images copyright MummyTravels