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Member Family Day: Animal Intelligence

Sat Apr 11 2026

10 am–5 pm

Seattle Art Museum

Free for SAM members and 40% off museum admission for their guests.

Installation view of A Room for Animal Intelligence at the Seattle Art Museum, 2026, photo: Chloe Collyer.

Don't have a room with a view booked this spring break? Kick off your staycation with A Room for Animal Intelligence, a whole new way of seeing the animal world curated by Pam McClusky. Come face-to-face with 100 animals from around the globe, rendered at jaw- dropping scale. We’re talking the largest wolf, mouse, and mosquito you’ve ever laid eyes on. The kids won’t stop talking about it—and honestly, neither will you. 

You can also grab a bite from the Shooby Doo popup café, listen to live jazz from Seattle Jazz Fellowship, attend a tea cermony, and join a public tour that includes a stop in A Room for Animal Intelligence.
 

10 am–5 pm

Build a Beast
Brotman Forum
Build your very own beast using hand-carved animal stamps created by artist Brian Lane.

Pen Pal with an Animal
A Room for Animal Intelligence gallery
Choose your favorite animal in the exhibition to be pen pals with and write to them using the stationary provided in the gallery. Who knows! You might just hear back . . . 

Wolf Haven International Booth
Brotman Forum
Visit the Wolf Haven International booth to learn more about wolves and the organization's efforts to restore near-extinct species. 

10:30 am | Complimentary pastries for members
Arnold Board Room
Start your morning with a delicious pastry made by Shooby Doo Catering (while supplies last).

11–11:30 am | Illustrated Storytime with Julie Kim
Arnold Board Room
Bring your little one to experience the artistic magic of an illustrated animal storytime by artist Julie Kim.

11:30 am–12 pm | Selfies with Sammy the Camel
A Room for Animal Intelligence gallery
Step into the gallery after storytime to take a selfie with Sammy the Camel! 

1–1:30 pm | Wolves 101 Talk 
Arnold Board Room
Learn all about wolves from a globally recognized wolf sanctuary, Wolf Haven International, at this engaging talk for kids!

3–4 pm | Wolves in the Pacific Northwest Talk 
Arnold Board Room
Learn all about wolves of the Pacific Northwest and what it takes to restore near-extinct populations from Wolf Haven International. 

Sun Apr 12–Sun Apr 19
Can’t make the kick-off event on April 11? Visit any open day during spring break week to write to an animal, build a beast, tour the galleries with a SAM docent on a public tour or curator Pam McClusky (3 pm on Apr 15, 16 and 17), and discover the wisdom and wonder of A Room for Animal Intelligence.
 
 
These activities are free to members and 40% off admission for your guests! Simply reserve museum tickets for April 11. Or visit between the 12 and 19 to celebrate A Room for Animal Intelligence with us.

Related exhibition

A Room for Animal Intelligence

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