Kids Can Climb Mt. Everest at the Rubin Museum of Art

Adventure awaits at the Rubin Museum of Art's sixth annual Peak Experience sleepover adventure for kids 9-12 years old. From Saturday, May 12 at 7 pm to Sunday, May 13, 40 kids will work together to confront the physical challenges, consider the perils, experience the culture, and practice the team dynamics of climbing Mt. Everest (in the form of the Rubin’s signature six-level spiral staircase covered with “snow,” “ice,” and “rocks” that threaten to avalanche).

High-altitude mountaineer Robert Anderson together with sherpas (Rubin Museum guides) and experienced climbers from around the world will lead these young climbers through the basics of camping, safety, teamwork, and leadership skills necessary in high altitude climbing. Together they will explore Himalayan art, Sherpa culture and food, and learn about mountaineering etiquette. In order to reach the summit, participants must overcome the challenges climbers face such as tying knots with mittens on and operating two-way radios.

Anderson, a veteran of eight Everest expeditions, led the 50th anniversary summit climb in 2003. He will rappel straight down the center of the museum’s spiral staircase, hooked into a rope suspended from the museum’s 90-foot high skylight. At nightfall, the climbers will descend to base camp to enjoy a hearty tsampa dinner, exchange stories in their tents of the mysterious yeti that roam the slopes of Everest, and fall asleep under the mighty mountain’s peak.

This program is presented in association with the American Alpine Club (New York Chapter) as part of the second World Science Festival.

Sleepover Ticket Information:

For children ages 9-12; $175 per child; Rubin Members are $157.50 (register early—registration is limited to 40 children) Dinner, snack, and breakfast of traditional Tibetan food will be provided. Tickets available on Rubin Museum of Art's website or by calling the Box Office: 212-620-5000 x344.

Rubin Museum of Art is located at 150 West 17th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues), New York City.