The Monterey Museum of Art makes it a tradition, hosting a third annual block party dedicated to creativity.

Maybe you’ve gotten too close to a work of art in a museum, setting off an alarm or activating the guards to pull you away physically. Now, forget about that – the staff of Monterey Museum of Art wants you to join in a day of immersive, tactile art. And the featured artist at this year’s third annual block party, Hanif Panni, has designed a large installation on three 8-by-4-foot panels that works only when viewers interact with it, reaching out to touch inviting, glowing orbs, triggering samples of musical sounds.

“When people are working together, even strangers, we can make a beat together,” Panni says. “People will be able to remix the artwork in real time.”

The idea might feel anathema to some people’s idea of museum – cue the guards and somewhat stodgy, very silent vibe. The MMA team wants art to feel quite different. Inviting, interactive, fun and, as an added bonus, free.

“There are a lot of things that bring people together – sports, otters,” says MMA Executive Director Corey Madden, noting the collective passion around each. Why not art?

After the museum reopened post-pandemic in 2021, Madden and team hatched the idea of connecting people in and around the museum. During the block party, the doors of MMA are thrown open. “It shouldn’t be just about looking at pictures on walls,” Madden says. “It should be about finding your own adventure through the museum, and through art.”

That adventure can look quite different at this day-long event. Of course you can take advantage of the free entry for a classic museum-going experience, or just cruise through for a quick look at the exhibits before heading out to Calle Principal for live music or to participate in creative, hands-on activities presented by local arts organizations. Those 21 and older are invited to return for an evening dance party.

For the record, MMA’s Director of Education and Public Programs Roxanne O’Weger says what the block party represents is not a departure from the norm, but a new normal – the idea of the museum as a place that is welcoming to a range of experiential modes. “A place where I can’t talk or I can’t touch – that’s not at all the case,” she says. “We really see the gallery experience as an active experience.”

MONTEREY MUSEUM OF ART’S BLOCK PARTY takes place 11am-4pm Saturday, April 5. Free. Dance party takes place 8-10pm. $25; $125/VIP. Ages 21 and up. MMA, 559 Pacific St., Monterey. 372‑5477, montereyart.org.