Getting Started

In the summer of 2009, Phil Terry, founder of the Reading Odyssey and CEO of Creative Good, held an experiment. He wanted to know what would happen if museum and gallery visitors changed the way they looked at art. Instead of breezing past artworks in the standard 8 seconds, he asked four people to join him at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and look at a small set of works, slowly.

The experiment was a success. Participants felt invigorated, not tired. Feedback was so positive that a few months later, in October 2009, Phil organized a second test featuring 16 museums and galleries in the U.S., Canada and Europe with groups being led by volunteer hosts. After that it was clear he was on to something, and Slow Art Day became an annual global event.

Growing Each Year

Slow Art Day 2010 was held on Saturday, April 17 with volunteers hosting at over 50 museums, galleries and churches on every continent except Antarctica.  Not to be left out, scientists at McMurdo Station in Antarctica hosted the first Slow Art Day of the following season, followed on Saturday, April 16, 2011 by the rest of the world. This time, more than 90 sites with thousands of participants were led by hundreds of volunteers around the globe, continuing the celebration of viewing art slowly.

We look forward to Slow Art Day 2012 setting a new record. Learn more about how you can participate.