What Happens When We Touch Art?

Find out how touching artworks can be dangerous and meet the scientists that take care of the art—our conservators.

Have you ever wondered why you’re not allowed to touch art at the Museum? Let’s get to the bottom of it! Find out how touching artworks can be dangerous and meet the scientists that take care of the art—our conservators.

#MetKids Microscope is a show about the science behind the art (and the art behind the science!) at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Learn true stories about real discoveries from scientists at the Museum, and do some experiments on your own!

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Chief Digital Officer: Douglas Hegley
Executive Producer: Sarah Wambold
Director/Writer/Producer: Rachel Smith
Producer: Emma Vecchione
Project Manager: Maria Kozanecka
Animation Direction: Lisa LaBracio
Art Direction + Illustration: Tara Sunil Thomas
Animation: Sara Zarul Azham
Compositing: Lisa LaBracio
Narrators: Corin Wells, Lucretia Kargère
Education Consultants: Darcy-Tell Morales, Merantine Hens
Original Music: Austin Fisher
Sound Mix: Dave Raymond
Production Design: Aurola Wedman Alfaro
Rights and Permissions: Julie Zeftel
Special Thanks: Shirin Fozi

A Knight of the d’Aluye Family, after 1248–by 1267.
Made in Loire Valley, France.
Limestone, 13 x 33 1/2 x 83 1/2 in., 1197 lb. (33 x 85.1 x 212.1 cm, 543 kg).
The Cloisters Collection, 1925 (25.120.201)

Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece), ca. 1427–32.
Workshop of Robert Campin (Netherlandish, ca. 1375–1444).
Oil on oak, 25 3/8 x 46 3/8 in. (64.5 x 117.8 cm).
The Cloisters Collection, 1956 (56.70a–c)

All Images © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

MetKids is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies

© 2023 The Metropolitan Museum of Art


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Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece), Robert Campin  Netherlandish, Oil on oak, Netherlandish
Robert Campin
ca. 1427–32
A Knight of the d'Aluye Family, Limestone, French
French
after 1248–by 1267