Spring Break at the Museum

March 27 - April 4, 2026

Visit the museum for a Spring Break adventure for the whole family! Kids are free this week with accompanying adults.* A new scavenger hunt will be available at the front desk. Turn it in to receive a prize!

*All children under 15 must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Slow Art Day

Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FREE

Hit the pause button with us for Slow Art Day, a global celebration of unhurried, mindful looking. On this special day, we invite visitors of all ages to slow down, settle in, and spend meaningful time with selected artworks across the galleries.

Throughout the museum, you’ll find gentle slow-looking prompts to guide your experience, along with an art-inspired music playlist curated to deepen the atmosphere. Whether you come on your own or with friends, you can explore at your own pace—then join optional group-looking sessions led by museum staff to share discoveries and reflections.

Why slow? Most people spend less than a minute with a work of art. But when we linger—five, ten, even fifteen minutes—unexpected details, emotions, and connections emerge. Slow Art Day reminds us that you don’t need expertise to engage deeply with art; curiosity and time are enough.

Drop in any time between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to experience the galleries in a new way, reconnect with your sense of wonder, and enjoy a slower moment at the Dennos.

Earth Day Clothing Swap

Wednesday, April 22 |  11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FREE

Join us in celebrating Earth Day with a fun and eco-friendly clothing swap! This second annual event is a perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe Sustainably, connect with your community, and reduce waste. This year will also include a gear swap in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Conservation District.
 

Donation Drop Off:
Bring gently used clothing (teens - adults, no undergarments) to the museum to donate between April 17th - 21st during open hours.

Recreation and gear donations will be accepted at the Boardman River Nature Center from April 1st through April 21st, during their operating hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10am – 4pm). Accepted outdoor gear includes lightly used items such as raincoats, hiking pants, fleeces, base layers, daypacks, overnight backpacks, sun hats, and snow gear. We won't accept used helmets, life jackets, personal flotation devices, heavily worn hiking boots, or climbing harnesses.

All remaining items will be taken to NMC’s clothing closets for students or to other area nonprofits. 

Swap Day:
On April 22, browse and take home clothing and gear—no donation required to participate. The Dennos will not accept donations after 12:00 PM that day.

Bonus:
While you’re here, don’t miss a plant sale hosted by the NMC Green Team, featuring nearly 500 starter plants, including herbs, flowers, and houseplants—perfect for welcoming spring and growing greener habits. 
 

This event is held in partnership with NMC Student Services, NMC Pride, NMC Green Team, Slip Vintage, Grand Traverse Conservation District, and Up North Pride.

Spring Art Market

Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FREE

We look forward to celebrating Michigan artists once again during our Spring Art Market, now in its fifth year. This one-day juried art event is held indoors in our Sculpture Court before the summer season of art fairs begins and falls on Mother’s Day weekend. We plan special programming into the day to let moms feel the love while offering a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages. 

Please visit the Museum Store’s website as the event nears for up-to-date event details and a list of participating artists at shop.dennosmuseum.org.