Gallery Exhibit Encourages Visitors to
Imagine, Describe, and Understand the Emotions of Others
BOSTON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Boston Children’s Museum recently opened Oceans of Empathy highlighting works from two New England-based artists. The exhibit brings together two timely areas of focus at the Museum—empathy development, and climate and nature education for young audiences.
The show invites children and caregivers to develop and practice empathy skills—understanding and caring about the thoughts and needs of others—through exploration of artwork and hands-on activities that deepen awareness of the ocean and the animals that live within it. Museum visitors will have the opportunity to practice close observation, ask questions about what they notice, and consider what it means to them and others.
“Looking at art helps children (and adults) develop and practice important skills of looking closely, noticing and naming emotions, and seeing things from someone else’s perspective,” said Sage Brousseau, Senior Art Educator. “Like any skill, the more we all practice empathy, the better we get!”
Oceans of Empathy features Brian Skerry’s photographs of sea creatures that live in the waters of the Gulf of Maine. For five decades, Skerry has explored Earth’s oceans across every continent and ecosystem. His photography reveals a world in trouble but also a place of hope, showing how thoughtful care and attention can help the oceans rebound. Skerry is based in Maine.
Oceans of Empathy also features the work of Rebecca McGee Tuck, a fiber artist, sculptor, and ocean activist who collects, takes apart, and transforms trash from the ocean into sculptures. With her work, she strives to illustrate the impact that humans make on the environment. Tuck lives and works in Massachusetts.
The exhibition is the second in the Museum’s Gallery presented as part of Empathy at the Heart, the Museum’s five-year initiative funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to foster empathy in young children and empower the adults in their lives to support this vital character development. The initiative helps children and caregivers explore the foundational skills that nurture empathy, including kindness, perspective-taking, self-respect, and respect for others. Exhibitions such as Oceans of Empathy give children and adults meaningful opportunities to strengthen these skills together.
Oceans of Empathy will be open through April 25, 2027.
For additional information visit www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org
About Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum engages children and families in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found at www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org. Follow the Museum on Facebook and Instagram.
Hours and Admission
The Museum is open Wednesday–Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays. On the first Saturday of each month, the Museum opens at 10:00 a.m. Advance tickets and reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, school vacation weeks, and TJX $1 Sunday Afternoons. Admission is $24 for adults, children ages 1–15, and seniors. Children under 12 months and Museum members are always free.
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SOURCE Boston Children’s Museum
