Oh, first dates. We’ve all suffered through some pretty terrible first dates: the uncomfortable silences, the awful movies, the overly expensive restaurant reservations. First dates can be make-it-or-break-it for a budding romance, and a terrible first date venue can plant you firmly in the “break-it” category. That’s why we’re suggesting a revolutionary new first date idea: museums!
Yes, you read that right. Museums.
We may (admittedly) be a bit biased, but we think museums (and art galleries) are simply the best place you could have your first date. Museums encourage laughter and awesome conversation, and they’re great places to explore and learn.
Still don’t believe us? Read on to learn why museums are the best first date idea.
1. Museums are a great first date idea because museums are freaking sexy
Do museums make you think of long, boring talks about ancient artifacts and silent hours spent observing paintings that all look the same?
Think again.
Museums are really freaking sexy. From the way museums are lit on evening tours to the salacious history behind different objects, museums are a great place to turn up the heat between you and your date.
If you’re looking to keep the vibe more romantic and less school field trip, plan your first museum date at night. Many museums are open in the evening at least once per week and often have a totally different vibe at night than during the day.
There are tons of romantic paintings and objects in every museum, too, like the Lovers in the Snow under an Umbrella at The Art Institute of Chicago or Le Printemps at the Met in New York City, that’ll encourage you to cozy up to your date.
2. Museums are a great first date idea because museums are affordable
Been to the movies lately? These days, two movie tickets, popcorn, and drinks could cost you well over $50 for an experience that may end up being terrible.
Museums, on the other hand, are surprisingly affordable. Many museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, have suggested donations instead of hard ticket prices, so if you’re hard up for cash, you can pay what you can afford. Many museums, like the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco, also have free nights that are open to the public. Some museums, like the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, are even 100% free all the time.
Our tip? Take the money you saved on admissions and spend it on a treat at the museum cafe or gift shop. You could enjoy a glass of wine together, or a dessert, or find a memento in the gift shop to remember your date.
3. Museums are a great first date idea because museums give you a chance to show off
Want to look worldly and knowledgeable on your first date?
Here is our #1 tip for a museum date: Most museums have in-depth websites that discuss their galleries online. You can preview the galleries ahead of time and come to your date armed with fun facts and unique stories about the history of different paintings or artifacts. It’s sexy and impressive to know a lot about art – just make sure you’re sharing the information as part of a conversation, not lecturing to your date. You want to come across like Indiana Jones, not like your boring 10th-grade history teacher.
4. Museums are a great first date idea because there’s no shortage of things to talk about
Wondering how to act on a museum date? Nothing sparks a conversation like stopping in front of a piece of artwork and asking, “What do you think this means?”
You don’t need an extensive background in art to talk about it with your date. Simply stopping in front of a painting and asking “What does this make you feel?” can start a conversation. Art can bring up different emotions, so you’ll likely learn a lot about your date and his or her history in an organic way simply by talking about what you associate with different pieces.
Plus, it’ll virtually eliminate the pressure to come up with something cool to talk about on your first date.
Don’t be afraid of disagreement. You may interpret a painting in a completely different way than your date, and that’s okay!
5. Museums are a great first date idea because museums basically guarantee you’ll fall in love
Going to a museum on a first date basically guarantees you’ll fall in love. Just ask our founder, Nick Gray.
Even if your date is a bust, we guarantee you’ll find something you love at a museum, whether that’s a new painting you’ll want a print of for your apartment or an entire gallery that you’ll want to bring all your friends to see.
Having your first date at a museum isn’t just about establishing a romantic relationship between you and a potential partner. It’s about creating a long-lasting relationship with a cultural institution you can visit again and again.
Been on a first date to a museum or art gallery lately? Tell us about it in the comments.
