Penn State Family Weekend 2026
Discover the Palmer Museum of Art!Saturday, October 17 | Free, drop-in, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Get to know the Palmer Museum of Art along with the Penn State students who help make it a vibrant place for learning, creativity, and community.
Explore the museum’s world-class collections and special exhibitions, including Dreaming American Futures: Invitational 250, featuring art by Penn State students, faculty, staff, and the local community. Enjoy hands-on art-making activities, gallery experiences like dance performances and live sketching, art talks, and opportunities to learn about projects developed by Palmer interns, student employees, and volunteers. From program development to supporting exhibitions, collections, and visitor engagement, students play an important role in shaping the museum experience.
Join us for a day of art, conversation, and behind-the-scenes stories while exploring the Palmer’s exhibitions and collections.
Schedule
All Day
Throughout the day, visitors of all ages are invited to:
- explore Dreaming American Futures: Invitational 250, which features works by Penn State students, staff, faculty, and alumni as well as local and regional artists.
- get creative with art activities like button-making and stamps in the Event Space
- watch or join dance activities in the galleries
- take a home your own portrait sketched live in the galleries
Free parking all day!
11:30 a.m. | Dance Performance with Volé Dance Company
Michael J. and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Gallery | Level 1
Experience a special dance performance inspired by Dreaming American Futures: Invitational 250, led by creative-intern-in-resident Gillian, joined by student dancers from Volé Dance Company. See how how movement and dance offer a new way to engage with the exhibition and its themes.
Noon to 2 p.m. | Live Portrait Sketches with the Penn State Sketchbook Club
Benjamin and Lillian K. Snowiss Impressionism Gallery | Level 1
Jason D. Kogan Gallery | Level 2
Sit for a quick and fun portrait created by student artists from the Penn State Sketchbook Club. Drop-in to receive an one-of-a-kind sketch to take home from Family Weekend!
12:30 p.m.| Interactive Dance Performance with Volé Dance Company
Ned A. Brokloff Post-war Gallery | Level 2
Get moving with creative-intern-in-residence Gillian and student dancers from Volé Dance Company! Learn some simple movements and join in for a fun, interactive dance in the gallery. No dance experience needed!
1 p.m. | Intern Talks
Benjamin and Lillian K. Snowiss Home and Abroad Gallery | Level 1
Hear from Palmer interns Madison, Kendall, Abby, and Sam, who work across different areas of the museum, including education, curatorial, and marketing. Interns will share a glimpse into their roles, their experiences, and what they’ve learned working behind the scenes at the Palmer. Stay till the end for a Q&A!
2 p.m. | Get Up Close
Object Study Room | Level 2
Join registration intern Marisa and our two registrars for a behind-the-scenes look at the Palmer’s Object Study Room. Learn about registration internship experience and get an up-close look at objects from the museum’s handling collection.
2–4 p.m. | Live Portrait Sketches with the Animation Club at Penn State
Benjamin and Lillian K. Snowiss Impressionism Gallery | Level 1
Jason D. Kogan Gallery | Level 2
Sit for a quick and fun portrait created by student artists from the Penn State Animation Club. Drop-in to receive an one-of-a-kind sketch to take home from Family Weekend!
3 p.m. | Intern Talks
Benjamin and Lillian K. Snowiss Home and Abroad Gallery | Level 1
Hear from Palmer interns Amanda, Tio, Nicholas, and Ava, who work across different areas of the museum, including education, curatorial, and marketing. Interns will share a glimpse into their roles, their experiences, and what they’ve learned working behind the scenes at the Palmer. Stay till the end for a Q&A!
4 p.m. | Intern Tour
Benjamin and Lillian K. Snowiss Home and Abroad Gallery | Level 1
Join gallery education interns Katelyn and Nathaniel for a student-led tour featuring some of their favourite works from across the Palmer’s collection. Hear their perspectives and what has captured their interest as you move through the galleries.
5 p.m. | Dance Performance with Nittany Ballet
Benjamin and Lillian K. Snowiss Impressionism Gallery | Level 1
Enjoy a special gallery performance led by creative-intern-in-residence Gillian and dancers from Nittany Ballet, bringing art and movement together through a choreographed dance inspired by the museum and its collections.
6 p.m. | Mindful Moments
Ned A. Brokloff Post-war Gallery | Level 2
Take a break from the busyness of the day with Palmer intern Cami. Drawing on her interests in yoga, art, and healing, Cami will lead a simple mindfulness activity offering a chance to slow down, recharge, and experience the museum in a different way.