American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog Summer/Fall Events 2023

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Amidst the crush of summer heat, AKC MoD has posted their calendar of events for NYC pet lovers to cool off with and have some canine-themed fun. But you don’t have to live in the Empire State to take advantage of the summertime activities. If you’re planning a trip there this summer — or anytime, for that matter — there’s plenty for visitors to do Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

dog art
Photo: Pexels/lil artsy

According to the website, “The AKC Museum of the Dog preserves, interprets, and celebrates the role of dogs in society and educates the public about the human-canine bond through its collection of art and exhibits that inspire engagement with dogs.”

Some of the most popular exhibits open to the public include an impressive collection of canine-related fine art, a study of working dogs, and fun interactive experiences like the one that allows you to find the doggo that looks like you.

Corgi storytime
Photo: Pexels/Antoni Shkraba

Summer Storytime Series

This popular series allows the public to meet with both authors and dogs during storytime events. Attendees will hear from a children’s author, create a craft in line with the book’s theme, and meet real canines similar to those featured in the story.

  • Sun., August 13: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Join Andrea Caceres for a reading of her book, My Dog Just Speaks Spanish. The event is included with general admission.

    • The Humane Society also offers these kids’ storytime events, so if you have one located near you, children love these super fun activities.

    black and red doberman
    Photo: Pexels/Aysun Kahraman Öktem

    Breed Spotlight

    During breed spotlight events, visitors can learn about the history of a particular breed while creating art, receiving a collectible dog breed fact sheet, and meeting an example of the breed. Activities are also included with general admission.

  • Sun., July 23: Meet the Pumi, a Hungarian herding dog
  • Sat., August 19: Meet the Doberman Pinscher, known as sleek, powerful and intelligent
    • dog art
    Photo: Pexels/Magda Ehlers

    Furry Fridays

    This monthly event allows guests to bring their own well-behaved doggo to the museum after hours to enjoy the collection in person. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $5 for dogs.

  • Fri., July 21: Paw-ty in the USA
  • Fri., August 18: Drawing Dogs with Oliver Perry
    • dog art
    Photo: Pixabay/ractapopulous

    Bryant Park Art Class

    Drop by the Bryant Park Art Cart (corner of 42nd and 5th) for really sweet dog-themed artwork. Each week, there’s a different free craft available for artists of all ages to take part in. Dogs are welcome to come along to this outdoor space.

  • Fri., July 21: Marker Mosaics. Use the form of a dog to guide your design of colorful patterns in a mosaic style.
  • Fri., July 28: Paper Bag Dog Puppets. Make a puppet version of an important dog in your life. Learn tricks on how to stack paper shapes to create long snouts and layer fringed paper for a shaggy coat.
  • Fri., August 4: Origami Dog Bookmarks. Practice the art of folding paper into a friendly dog face. Use your new canine creation to mark the spot in your summer reading.
  • Fri., August 11: Summer Sunset Silhouette. Create a gorgeous summer sunset background and add your favorite dogs to the scene.
    • baseball diamond
    Photo: Pexels/Tim Gouw

    Take Me Out to the Ballgame

  • Tues. August 8: AKC MOD at the Brooklyn Cyclones. Take your pups to a day at the ball game as the Cyclones play the Aberdeen IronBirds at their home field in Brooklyn.

    • In September, they have a number of fashion-related events coming up to educate the public.

    old image of woman and dog
    Photo: Pexels/Suzy Hazelwood

    Gems of NYC

    Typically, out of courtesy to their neighbors, only service dogs and invited demonstration canines are allowed in the museum during regular hours. As noted above, they do host two dog-friendly “Furry Fridays” a month where dogs and their people are invited to attend the museum after-hours.

    Museum admission costs $15 for adults and $5 for kids with memberships available. Tickets are available online here.

    AKC MOD
    101 Park Ave, New York, NY 10178
    (212) 696-8360
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