Museum Quest

Once or twice per quarter, EFBA offers an original, play-based program of cultural discovery in French in various museums and cultural sites.

The annual program covers 5 different destinations. These museums or cultural sites are located all over the Bay Area and present various subjects mixing history, geography, nature, science, art and other human social or technological creations. Each destination offers its own journey of discovery, with various treasures and secrets.

A booklet with games guides the children through the different galleries and exhibits. Each team, chaperoned by an adult, will make careful observations to solve the final riddle of the scavenger hunt through the Art Gallery…

Museum Visit – “Guided Tour at San Francisco Airport: The Extraordinary World of Haitian Metal Sculptures

Event Overview

To embark on an exciting journey through the diverse aspects of Haitian culture, the EFBA team is thrilled to invite children aged 7 to 12 for a French-language visit of the exhibition “The Enduring Spirit of Haitian Metal Sculpture” on Saturday, May 11, 2024, set in the uniquely captivating environment of San Francisco International Airport! As our end-of-year gesture, the visit is free for adults wishing to accompany their child(ren) (up to two adults per family). Are you ready for an adventure? 

During the visit, children will have the opportunity to delve into scenes depicting Haitian daily life through mesmerizing metal sculptures, deepen their understanding of Vodou, grasp pivotal moments in the country’s history, and immerse themselves in the vivid imagination of local culture (brace yourselves to encounter angels, winged creatures, mermaids, and animals!). 

As a grand finale, participants will enjoy a guided tour of the aviation museum (located within the airport).

Teaching objectives

This activity not only delivers a relaxed, friendly and fun experience for participants, but also provides several different learning opportunities: 

  • Introduce children to the vibrant culture of Haiti, including its history, traditions, and artistic expressions through metal sculpture.
  • Raise awareness about sustainability and environmental consciousness by discussing the use of recycled materials in Haitian metal sculpture and its impact on the environment.
  • Foster an appreciation for art and creativity by examining the unique techniques and styles employed in Haitian metal sculpture.

Cultural Focus

A Journey into Haitian Metal Sculpture

Welcome to the captivating world of Haitian Metal Sculpture! Originating from the resilient spirit of Haiti, this unique art form showcases the rich cultural heritage and artistic ingenuity of the Haitian people. 

Haitian Metal Sculpture, often crafted from recycled metal drums, is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of its creators. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, who infuse their work with symbolism, folklore, and a deep connection to their history. 

Rooted in the Vodou tradition and inspired by everyday life, nature, and the spiritual realm, Haitian Metal Sculpture reflects a vibrant tapestry of colors, textures, and narratives. From whimsical depictions of animals and figures to intricate religious motifs, these sculptures invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world where imagination knows no bounds.

Haiti: From Revolution to Francophonie

Haiti, located in the Caribbean, shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. It is positioned to the west of the island and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south and west. Its capital city is Port-au-Prince.

Haiti is a significant member of the Francophone community. Despite being a predominantly Creole-speaking nation, French is one of the two official languages of Haiti, alongside Haitian Creole. This linguistic connection to the Francophone world is rooted in Haiti’s history as a former French colony.

In 1804, Haiti gained independence from France after a successful revolution, becoming the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the only nation born out of a successful slave revolt. 

Details

Date and Time of the Visit

  • Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am (PST)

Where: International terminal of San Francisco International Airport

Event Schedule:

  • 9:30 am: Arrival of families at the International terminal of SFO. Families are welcome to park in the airport parking lot. Our team will wait for you at the Air France counter. We’re pleased to announce that, through our partnership with the airport for this event, parking fees will be waived for participants. Families have the option to return at 11:30 to pick up their children or to participate in the visit for free.
  • 9:30-11:30 am: Visit
  • 11:35 am: Families pick up their child(ren) at the Air France counter.

Who: Children ages 7-12 with prior knowledge of French (2 years minimum). Assessment required for students not enrolled in a 2024-2025 EFBA program. For EFBA students, the minimum level needed in French is FLS3 or PF1.

To join us, participants should be able to:

  • Express themselves clearly and comfortably in French
  • Easily understand the main ideas in a conversation on a range of topics

Questions about your child’s level? Email admissions@efba.us before registration.

During the visit, participants should bring:

  • Comfortable shoes
  • that’s it!

Space is limited, so register today!

Prices & registration: 

  • EFBA students: $24 per participant
  • General admission: $29 per participant
  • Free for adults accompanying their child(ren) (up to two adults per family)!

PRICES & REGISTRATION

General Admission

$29per participant

EFBA Students

$24per participant

PAST ACTIVITIES

DATES OUTINGS
Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am (PST) On Saturday, February 26, 2022, our explorers visited the Jules Tavernier and the Elem Pomo exhibit at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. The exceptional work of French artist Jules Tavernier (1844-1889) and the cross-cultural exchange between Tavernier and the Elem community of the Pomo people, an indigenous people of Northern California, was presented in partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Sunday, November 7, 2021, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PST On Sunday, November 7 2021, pastel art was celebrated through the exhibition Color Into Line: Pastels from Renaissance to the Present. The Legion of Honor fine arts museum in San Francisco offered a selection of masterpieces drawn in pastel and invited students to discover this material through the centuries and artists such as Rosalba CarrieraEdgar Degas, and Jean-Baptiste Perronneau.
Sunday, January 15, 2023 – 9:30 am to 11 am PST

Sunday, January 15, 2023 – 11:30 am to 1:00 pm PST

To celebrate the bicentennial of Champollion’s decoding of the Rosetta Stone and its hieroglyphs in 1822, the EFBA team is pleased to offer a visit in French to an exceptional exhibition on Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at the De Young Museum.

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