First dates are hard these days, especially when you're just talking biographical facts together over a table at a random bar. Break out of that usual first date routine and put more fun into it. Mix it up and go on a first date to the Columbus Museum of Art during the new CMA After Hours on Thursday evenings.
*Disclosure: This article is sponsored by the Columbus Museum of Art.
CMA makes for the perfect first-date spot. Image courtesy of Columbus Museum of Art.
The museum offers more than 600 works of art on display, including paintings, photography, sculpture, video, and more, so there is something for everyone to admire and talk about. Have your date meet you outside at Karnak by Paul Feeley (a.k.a. the red, white, and blue sculpture). That way, you can shake off the nerves as you walk inside together. Your first stop should be Schokko Café for some light bites and drinks. Schokko, with its pleasant but lowkey atmosphere, is the perfect place to get out your warm-up chat and settle into the date.
Enjoy a meal together from Schokko Café. Image courtesy of Columbus Museum of Art.
After some food (and maybe a glass of wine!), head into the galleries. CMA always has special exhibitions in the lower-level Walter Wing, offering art that is only here for a limited time (so if this date doesn’t work out, you can come back with another to see something new). Explore the wide range of art in the upper-level Walter Wing and the historic Ross building. When wandering the galleries, instead of talking about yourself, make a change and talk about the weird and wonderful objects on display. Watch an eccentric video in the Kidder Video Space, talk about the fabulous hairstyles in the European art galleries, be surprised by all the artists’ names you know, find new ones, and more. Bonus points for finding Schokko Café’s namesake. Discover more about your date’s sense of humor and personality by asking fun questions like “Would you buy this 15th-century tapestry if you saw it at IKEA?” Play “Count the Butts” or make up background stories for people in the paintings. (You are allowed to judge your date’s opinion on the art.) Walking around the galleries allows you to get close to your date or keep a respectful distance based on how things are vibing.
There are plenty of hands-on activities for you to connect. Image courtesy of Columbus Museum of Art.
Feeling playful or artistic? Try the hands-on activities and games in the galleries and the Center for Creativity. Work together to complete a puzzle of Marsden Hartley's Cosmos or do a craft in the Shapes gallery. Remember, the Wonder Room is not only for children but for kids of all ages.
On your way out, stop by the Museum shop and buy a souvenir to remember your first date. If things work out, consider becoming members so you can come back and enjoy more artful dates together. And don’t forget that CMA hosts weddings.
Find a connection in Columbus this year with the Columbus Museum of Art! Don't forget to share your memories with us using #yesColumbus.
