Laura Dickstein Thompson

Laura Dickstein Thompson, EdD, is the director of education at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) and the Kidspace gallery curator. Laura has worked in arts and museum education for more than three decades and holds a doctorate in education from Columbia University Teachers College. As the Kidspace curator, she oversees award-winning programs organized in partnership with local schools, and has curated 30 exhibitions with notable artists.

As MASS MoCA’s founding director of education, Laura designs innovative programs for adults, families, school groups, and teens.

Laura has a longtime meditation practice that she incorporates into her painting practice, museum work, and family life. In 2021, she received her certification as a Kripalu Meditation Teacher to expand her mindfulness-based art education approach and subsequently taught a Williams College Winter Studies course on mindfulness and art museums.