Young at Art Museum | Fort Lauderdale

Young At Art Museum (YAA) is a premier interactive art museum located in Plantation, Florida, designed to engage children, teens, and families in the creative process through hands-on exhibits, education programs, and community outreach. The museum redefines the traditional concept of an art museum by integrating art, play, culture, and education into a seamless, immersive experience.

Location and Background

Current Address: 8000 W Broward Blvd, Suite 1208, Plantation, FL 33388 (inside the Broward Mall)

Founded: 1987 by Mindy Shrago

Type: Nonprofit museum and educational institution

Audience: Children (especially ages 1–15), teens, educators, families, and community organizations

Originally launched as a mobile art outreach program, YAA grew into a museum in 1989 and was housed in a large facility in Davie, Florida, until 2020. After closing the Davie location, it transitioned to a new, more community-focused site inside the Broward Mall.

Exhibits and Galleries

The museum is structured around multiple themed zones that blend learning, play, and artistic discovery:

WonderScapes

For children under 5 years old

Combines visual art and storytelling in a safe, imaginative setting

Features puppet theaters, tactile elements, creative play zones, and literacy tools

ArtScapes

Allows children to interact with art concepts through immersive installations

Themes include art history, global cultures, and surreal environments

Activities: subway art, archaeological digs, maze challenges, abstract painting

CultureScapes

Explores cultural heritage and art traditions from regions like Haiti, Japan, Africa, and Latin America

Promotes diversity, inclusion, and understanding of global customs through visual arts and storytelling

GreenScapes

Environmentally-themed space encouraging sustainability and upcycling

Children create art using recycled materials

Features eco-sculptures and installations by artists such as Pablo Cano

Knight Gallery

A formal exhibit space for rotating shows

Displays work by professional artists, emerging local talent, and student artwork

Includes multimedia and installation pieces

Educational Programs

YAA is a certified cultural institution offering year-round educational programming:

YAA Institute

Formal art instruction in:

Drawing and painting

Digital art and animation

Sculpture and ceramics

Photography

For ages 5 through 18 and adults

Classes taught by working artists and educators

Teen Center

Dedicated creative space for teens to explore media, film, fashion, music, and visual arts

Offers mentorship and professional development opportunities

Includes access to tools like recording equipment and digital design software

Summer and Holiday Camps

Thematic weekly camps combining visual arts with creative movement, science, and storytelling

Popular offerings include:

Animation Lab

Fashion Design

Urban Art/Graffiti

Theater & Set Design

Community Engagement

YAA has a strong commitment to underserved and at-risk populations through award-winning outreach initiatives:

ArtREACH

After-school program for homeless youth in Broward County

Combines arts education with academic tutoring and mental health support

Girls Empowered

Arts-based program for girls ages 11–17 at risk of dropping out or facing trauma

Teaches emotional wellness and empowerment through creative projects

YAA On The Go

Mobile museum bringing hands-on arts programming to community centers, shelters, and schools

YAA for ALL (Access, Language, Learning)

Supports children with autism and sensory processing disorders

Offers sensory-friendly programming and adaptive art tools

Special Events and Rentals

YAA hosts numerous events that serve both educational and entertainment purposes:

Sensory Saturdays: Quiet, low-sensory mornings for children with special needs

Teen Fashion Show: Youth-led recycled fashion runway

Festival of the Arts: Family event with artist booths, performances, and workshops

Art Birthday Parties: Custom packages with studio activities and themed workshops

Corporate Rentals: Spaces available for business retreats and community meetings

Facilities and Amenities

Studios: Fully equipped spaces for ceramics, digital art, and mixed media

Gallery Shop: Features artist-made goods, books, and craft kits

Multipurpose Rooms: Used for classes, workshops, and community programs

Accessibility: ADA-compliant facilities and inclusive programming

Hours and Admission

Open: Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays

General Admission: $12 per person (children under 1 free)

Members: Free access and discounts on classes and events

Membership and Support

Membership levels for individuals, families, and educators

Benefits:

Unlimited visits

Priority registration for classes

Discounts on programs and gift shop

Access to the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) network

As a nonprofit, YAA relies on memberships, donations, and grants to support its mission and outreach.

Contact Information

Phone: (954) 424-0085

In summary, Young At Art Museum is a unique cultural institution that combines interactive art education with community empowerment. Its immersive galleries, commitment to inclusivity, and award-winning outreach make it one of South Florida’s most innovative museums for young people.