Favourite artworks chosen by young children in a museum setting

Research that set out to determine the aesthetic preferences of young children aged 26 was conducted at the Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio. Fifty children were randomly selected and taken into the museum. Each child was asked to walk around and view artworks. Works that held their attention for one minute were considered to be of aesthetic interest. After they expressed interest in a particular work the children were questioned about it and their responses were recorded. This provided insights into their selections. The findings were that these young children liked both abstract and realistic art. Particular aesthetic qualities that interested them included shiny surfaces, and gold and silver objects. They chose to view furniture such as chairs and cabinets and dinner ware, not just paintings.