Monday Reviews - Booth Western Art Museum

If you've never been to Cartersville, GA, you are missing the cultural capital of Northwest Georgia. I'm not trying to damn with faint praise; it's really quite amazing. From the Etowah Indian Mounds to Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum to the Booth Western Art Museum, you can explore space, geology, history, culture, and art.

The Booth Western Art Museum (called the Cowboy Museum by my boys) is an excellent value. The artwork - sculptures, paintings, movie set pieces - is accessible and interesting. Since it focuses on one general topic, you can introduce your children to concepts like impressionism, perspective, and surrealism more easily than in a larger art museum: it's easier to compare and contrast when the subjects have something in common.

After you've seen the exhibits (if your children act like, well, children, expect to be followed by a kindly but concerned museum employee*), head downstairs to Sagebrush Ranch, one of the very best children's centers I've seen in a museum. The hands-on activities will teach children the elements of art in a fun way. Even better are the opportunities for imaginative play. Kids can try on cowboy clothes, climb aboard a full-size horse (bring your camera!), make dinner in the chuck wagon, and take a rest on a rope bed.

*What? That only happens to my children??

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Admission prices: Free the 1st Thursday of each month from 4:00-7:00
Adults: $8:00
Teens: $5.00
Children 12 and under: FREE

Good to know: If the weather is nice, you can eat outside in the courtyard. The museum cafe is open 10:30-3:00 on Tuesday-Saturday. I recommend you see the art exhibits first, then head to children's center; otherwise, your kids may not want to leave Sagebrush Ranch! You can check out a Saddlebag from the front desk for fun kid activities while at the museum.