Museums on Us: A Visit to the Morikami

Over the weekend, I went to the Morikami for Bank of America‘s Museums on Us promotion. On the first weekend of every month, Bank of America’s Customers can visit participating museums for free. All that you need to do is show your Bank of American card, and really, who doesn’t have one? I have known that this promotion has been going on, but this was the first I took advantage of it and I picked a gorgeous day to do so. I was really impressed with the promotion. Instead of trying to make a few extra dollars, the cashier readily told everyone about the promotion.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is nestled away in Delray Beach. It is the center for Japanese arts & culture and includes the principal museum building that is home to a number of rotating art exhibits, a tea house where monthly tea ceremonies are held and the gorgeous Japanese Gardens. The Morikami also offers a series of education courses and special events, with one of their largest festivals being the Bon Festival, held on August 8th this year.

Educational classes are fully embraced to increase awareness of Japanese culture. Saturday family day classes might cover the topics of Origami, Korigami or Star Book Making. The Morikami also offers various classes such as Japanese Language classes and Sumi-e Ink Painting.

Where: The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Rd in Delray Beach (561) 495-0233

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed Mondays and national holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter and 4th of July

Cost: $10 for adults, $9.00 for seniors (65+), $6.00 for children (6-17) and college students. Children under 6 are free.

The Museums on Us promotion runs the first weekend of every month, with the next promotion taking place on  May 2nd  & 3rd. So mark your calendars now. Other local museums participating include: The South Florida Science Museum, The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science, the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, the Miami Art Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Science Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Where will I go next?

Photos from personal collection.