smART - pole for art
Rating
Family of 4
USD 80-130 for a family workshop
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Best Ages
6-16
About
smART — pole for art is a creative foundation and studio in Rome's Nomentano neighborhood that blends artistic and scientific thinking in workshops designed for children and teens ages 6 through 16. Run by Fondazione smART, the space has an experimental, almost laboratory feel — less traditional art studio, more creative research center where kids are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and make things that surprise them.
Workshops cover a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, design, and STEM-adjacent creative projects. The combination makes smART a strong choice for families where the kids range widely in their interests — a child who loves science and a child who loves drawing can both find engagement here. The foundation also connects schools and cultural institutions, so the quality of facilitation is consistently high.
Open weekdays from 10 AM to 6 PM, the studio is conveniently located near Villa Torlonia, one of Rome's most family-friendly parks with playgrounds and open lawns. A half-day combining a workshop at smART with a picnic in the park is an excellent way to give kids a break from structured sightseeing.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; open Mon-Fri 10 AM-6 PM
Wait Times
Low — contact ahead for workshop scheduling
Nearby Food
Nomentano neighborhood has bakeries and cafes along Via Nomentana; Villa Torlonia park is steps away for a picnic.
Why Kids Love It
smART blends art and science in ways kids don't expect — one minute they're painting, the next they're engineering a mobile or experimenting with light and color.
Pro Tips from Parents
- smART is part foundation, part studio — the space has a genuinely creative and experimental atmosphere.
- Great for scientifically-minded kids who might normally resist 'art' activities.
- Located in the Nomentano neighborhood near Villa Torlonia park — combine it with a picnic.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothes in case of hands-on materials work
- An open mind — the activities often surprise participants
- A notebook if your child likes to sketch ideas
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 80-130 for a family workshop
Tips to Save
- Check their website for any public events or open days.
- Group bookings may offer reduced rates.
- Located near Nomentano — easy to combine with Villa Torlonia park.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM