What ages is the workshop for?

The activity is designed for children aged 3 to 8; this age range keeps activities developmentally appropriate.

How long does the session last?

Each session runs roughly one hour, including a short introduction and the hands-on craft.

Is the workshop bilingual?

Instructions are visual and often presented in simple, bilingual formats to accommodate visitors.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes—book via the referral link to confirm session times and availability, especially on weekends.

Are the materials safe for children?

Yes—all paints and adhesives used are non-toxic and chosen to avoid damage to museum objects.

Can parents stay with children during the workshop?

Parents are usually welcome to observe and assist younger children; staff will provide guidance on participation.

Els animals del museu — kids medieval creatures workshop in Vic, Catalunya | Workshop | Museum

On a quiet street in Vic, Catalunya, Spain, the MEV offers a small, hands-on workshop designed for children aged 3–8. Els animals del museu turns the odd creatures found in Romanesque and Gothic artworks into playful, makeable companions. The session lasts about one hour and invites kids to look closely at motifs on capitals, reliefs and painted panels, then build their own animal using simple materials and non-toxic paints.

What sets this activity apart in Vic’s cultural scene is its combination of museum study and hands-on making. Children handle art-inspired templates and collage elements under staff supervision, learning about scale, pattern and texture while connecting directly to local medieval imagery. The tactile focus suits kinesthetic learners; cardboard, paper, fibers and safe paints recreate the rough feel of carved stone and polychrome panels without risking original objects.

Families like the short, concentrated format. With a strict minimum age of three and a one-hour run time, Els animals del museu fits neatly into a morning or afternoon visit. Staff keep the pace calm and demonstrative, so even first-time museum visitors feel at ease. Instructions are visual and often bilingual, lowering barriers for families who do not speak Spanish.

Children depart with a handmade creature and a keener eye for medieval iconography. Small beasts and hybrid figures that might otherwise go unnoticed on friezes and capitals become recognizable after the workshop. The activity links art history to play, showing how carved stone and painted panels once carried stories and community beliefs. Parents often report extended engagement with the collection after the session, as children point out animals they now know.

Practical notes: minimum age is 3; sessions last about one hour. Bring a smock if you mind paint, and plan for brief waits between back-to-back groups. Book via the referral link to confirm availability.

Consider arriving ten minutes early to check in and ask staff about follow-up materials or family guides. Making a creature can become a thread through future visits, helping children spot carved animals and painted beasts across the museum. This compact workshop invites curiosity and hands-on learning for little explorers.

About Museu Episcopal de Vic

Museu Episcopal de Vic preserves and exhibits one of Catalonia’s most important collections of medieval art, with a particular focus on Romanesque and Gothic painting and decorative arts. Located in Vic, Catalunya, the museum presents altarpieces, retables, sculptures, and religious objects that illustrate medieval artistic techniques and regional identity. The MEV offers a range of visitor options including general admission, guided tours, family-oriented workshops, and an annual membership that provides unlimited access for a year.

Exhibitions are displayed alongside interpretive labels and digital resources that help contextualize works of art and make medieval material culture accessible to diverse audiences. Guided experiences include themed tours such as studies of animals in medieval imagery, daily life in the Middle Ages, and masterworks of Catalan art. Family programs use storytelling, observation, and interactive activities to engage children aged 5–12, while specialty sessions explore topics such as ancient Egypt within a museum setting.

The museum operates with professional curatorial staff and educational personnel who design programs for schools, families, and adult visitors. Conservation and presentation follow museum standards to preserve fragile works and communicate their historical significance. As a public cultural institution in Vic, the Museu Episcopal de Vic serves both residents and visitors seeking to explore Catalonia’s medieval heritage through original objects, careful interpretation, and hands-on learning opportunities.

The Museu Episcopal de Vic integrates innovative digital experiences and multimedia displays that complement physical objects. Information is presented clearly to support research, school visits, tourist exploration, and independent study of medieval art and preservation.