Muse Paintbar

Loved it! I’ve always wanted to try painting but honestly had no clue how to start. I was amazed that with the step-​by-​step instruction provided, an honest to goodness painting came to life on my canvas. I went with two girlfriends and we mutually agreed (probably fewer than 5 minutes into the experience) that we would be back many times. I highly recommend a session at Muse to anyone with even a passing interest in painting – or even just looking for a different way to have some fun. I promise, you do NOT need to be an «artist.» If I can paint a picture, anyone can!

Love it here, went once and had a blast, just booked our 2^nd session and can’t wait to go back. We had Adam as our instructor and he was fabulous, so patient and a great teacher… Great atmosphere, great people and a great time… Would recommend highly!

Lots of fun. Have gone twice now, and both instructors so far were really fun to work with. They help you if you need it, and they seem to have a good working pace for everyone overall. Good environment, I love how all the paintings cover the walls, paint cans hold up the smocks, the tables are WELL USED and covered in paint! Which is great!
However, the second painting we did was called «Smoke Signals», and it was Muse’s first time ever doing this painting (instructor said). I would recommend channeling down the «letting paint dry» time. We sat around for 30 – 40 minutes watching the first coat of red-​orange paint to dry. Had to use hair dryers. Could be a turn off for first timers.
Tables are a bit small if you’re ordering food. But the 2 appetizers we got tasted good! (Mozz sticks and spinach triangles? I forget the name!) Bar is simple; mostly wine, bottled beers, and a couple others (I got a Mikes Hard Lemonade)
We will be returning all the time though — we are covering our bedroom wall in our paintings!

I have been here once, for paint your pet night. We had a great time painting. The artists were helpful and friendly. The snacks and drinks were great. The atmosphere was fun and comfortable. Highly recommended!

These places seem to be popping up everywhere. I attended one of these things in Texas, but they didn’t have a set location; it took place at a Johnny Rockets. But this is different — it’s its own location, that has bathrooms and serves a little food and drink. They serve wine and beer. The food is definitely frozen items that have been baked up — but that’s fine by me. You don’t go here for the food — you go to paint and have fun, maybe have a drink.
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When you go to these things, they usually make you hold your hand above the blank canvas and recite a «prayer» — to have fun, not use the words «i messed up» or «mine stinks». They didn’t do that here. We just dove in painting. I heard a lot of people getting a little stressed out over it. Me, I knew this wasn’t serious so I just painted. It was fun. My painting looked good here, but as soon as you get it home you’re like, UGH! But — I would definitely go again. It’s a good setup here plus you’re in downtown Manchester so you can make a night of it.

Love love love, my husband doesn’t even like artsy stuff but we tried it for our anniversary and it was WONDERFUL! So much fun, and just overall AMAZING. Seriously just try it and you won’t disagree. I can’t wait to go back! Love my painting too!

What else can I say… this place is absolutely AMAZING! The first time I went I knew I would be back often. It’s always so much fun and the staff is always so friendly and encouraging. I always have an amazing time here, and I always leave with a piece of art that I am proud of. Thanks Muse!

even if it’s a first date. Still a lot of fun. They teach you how to paint what they are step by step and you can deviate if you would like. Also if you can’t paint like myself, you will still finish something you can be proud of and go back and make something new next time.

I brought my daughter for her 18^th birthday and wasn’t sure what to expect. The instructor, Kristy, was FANTASTIC! She played great music in between the instructions. It was so much fun! The whole room was into it. She encouraged creativity, was supportive and made sure everyone was enjoying the night. I can’t draw a straight line and lack any artistic abilities, but my painting came out pretty nice. The bar was an added touch– sipping wine and painting was the perfect combination! I will absolutely go back again and again!

Came here with my younger sister to try something new. We both went into it thinking it would end horribly with our paintings to end up buried in the back of a closet or attic space somewhere but WOW, not the case at all! Vanessa was our instructor and she was absolutely amazing at explaining step by step how to create our paintings and encouraging us to mix paints, try new colors, and add things as we saw fitting. We seriously had THE BEST time, and the best part — we LOVED our paintings and have them on display in our homes where they get complimented all the time! Definitely recommend you give this place a try!

Such a great time. Eat before you come. There food is mini pizzas and mozzarella sticks but they have a good bar and fabulous employees!

Went to Muse with a group of friends & spouses. We all had a blast, some of us were creatively challenged where others excelled not knowing how skilled they could have been with just a little direction. For the price of admission its an ok deal, you have to keep in mind it is an art CLASS as well as the materials to then be able to bring home your beloved paining.
I took a star off for the extremely over priced bar prices & their «eats» are pretty much vending machine food at twice the price or more. Eat before you go, pregame before hand as well fellas. There’s a bar within walking distance if you need a beer at a reasonable price.
All in all the experience is worth it, try to book it with their facebook deal coupon codes for a better price & try not to have to buy anything from the bar.

My boyfriend and I went to Muse for my birthday a few months ago. We went on a couples night, which I loved because we were able to make complimentary paintings, not end up with two of the same paintings. The set up was great, enough room to sit or stand while you pain, and plenty of seats with a full view of the artist teaching the class. I wanted to leave this review because I recently went to a Paint Nite and was disappointed in that experience compared to the one I had at Muse. Over crowded, rushed, and an artist who’s painting was no better than any of ours. I would highly recommend Muse for a fun and relaxing time!

I do not do art. I do not do crafts. I was scared to sit in front of a canvas. I went for my girls night because others wanted to go. I love Muse and will go back! This was easy, no judgement, and Fun. Painting is relaxing. The staff is helpful and eager for everyone to leave happy. It was a surprising and wonderful experience.

My friends and I went there this past Saturday night and we all had a blast! The instructor Vanessa was very nice and energetic! Even with the lack of experience painting, we were all able to come home with a paint that we were proud of! The only con is that they don’t really serve food there. So be sure to visit a local restaurant before you head to the Muse Paint Bar. Other than that, the place is amazing!

We have been here twice, and both times were so fun and relaxing!
The instructor has a friendly, easy going style and emphasizes there’s no «right» way to do the painting. Its all for fun! Everyone’s paintings came out looking terrific!
Having a bar and snacks are a nice touch!
Will be back!

I went for the first time with a large group the other night and had a BLAST… I’m going again on Sunday! I have been raving about Muse ever since and I am already planning a sister/​family night, a coworker night, and even my boyfriend said he’d go with me sometime on a date! Being on the computer all day long, I feel I don’t have the time to be creative on my own anymore, so this is the perfect place to go to let your creative juices flow, while having fun with friends and family (or even complete strangers if you’d like to go solo!). And trust me, you do not need to be an artist to experience this… they are amazing at instructing you throughout the whole process! The wine bar is a definite plus too! ;) I recommend Muse Paintbar for EVERYONE, seriously, you’ve got to try it at least ONCE!

Muse Paintbar provides a reasonably priced, unique, and fun experience for people of any age or skill level
Pros:
–It felt welcoming and had a very good learning curve for any kind of participant.
–None of the prices were that outlandish for what you get out of it.
Cons:
–Nothing major.
A month ago, a coupon for Muse Paintbar popped up on one of the local discount sites promoting a $ 29 special. The prices usually range from $ 35-​$ 45, and this sounded like the perfect opportunity to try out this cute little venue off of Hanover Street. A couple friends and I bought our coupons and were able to very easily make reservations on their website for a date about a month in the future.* We were able to reserve together and be sat next to each other with no issues.
*Note: Their online reservation system has been upgraded and is even easier to navigate too. I believe they post the following month’s paintings about halfway through the current month.
We arrived really early (about 5:00 to a 6:00 pm session) to get a look around the place. They have samples of most of the paintings they’ve done hanging on the walls and a bunch of 4 and 6 person tables at the center. There is a small bar in the back that serves drinks (beer, wine, and nonalcoholic: $ 7 for wine, $ 4 – 4.75 for beer IIRC) and small plates (can’t vouch for those). There is also a staging area for the lead artist to stand and give instructions. They make the most out of their space, with room for a lot of «artists» without feeling that cramped. Each person is given their own canvas to use and bring home, as well as a set of brushes, paint, and all the necessary supplies with the ability to get more if needed.
The thing about painting is that it’s one of those things that is very easy to be self-​conscious about. I’ve never been «good» at art and I was nervous about doing this, but they never made me feel that way. The method they used for our painting was very simple and done in stages and focused on layers, which was a lot easier to comprehend than a specific instruction set or paint-​by-​numbers style. The instructor clearly explained the «how» of each step in terms of paint combinations, brush styles, and object placement. Plus, no one went around and checked on what you were doing, so you never felt the need to impress someone beyond yourself (for such a small room, it felt private). Each stage gave ample time to the painters to complete their projects without rushing and each stage was easy enough for most people to understand without feeling overwhelmed. They really have the environment down to where novices and experts can share a room and have fun.
I don’t have many cons to be honest. I needed more paint than what I started with, but there were two big paint carts so that wasn’t a big deal. By the end of the painting, the work area got pretty cramped with several paint plates, paper towels, water cans, and six people/​paintings. This is a necessary evil but in an ideal world there would be a bit more space. Personally, I don’t know how much fun I would have if I were alone. Some people were, but I wouldn’t want to do it without some friends to share the experience with and talk to throughout.
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I may be their least likely customer and I had an absolute blast. I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone should give Muse a try once. In a city that can lack a lot of interesting, unique things to do that don’t involve eating and drinking, this is a gem.
Update: I have been back since my original review was posted. I booked for a group and their web reservation system was absolutely perfect. The experience was just as fun the second time around and I got another fun takeaway to put on my wall. I still highly recommend Muse, it’s just gotten better.

I took my girlfriend for a surprise birthday date and didn’t tell her until we walked up to the door. After learning what our plans were going to be for the night she was hesitant to say the least. I heard other ‘Muse rookies’ around us saying things like ‘I can’t paint’ and ‘I have no artistic talent’ but those ideas were soon squashed once we began the painting of our own paradise island (which couldn’t have been complete without the Coronas).
Our instructor Vanessa was great; explaining each step with patience and an optimistic view.
I didn’t see anyone without a smile on their face in the house. This is the coolest thing to hit Manchester in a long time and you will not be disappointed.
Thanks, and we’ll be sure to be back soon with more friends.
–JB

edit 2÷5÷13 — I returned again on ¹⁄₁₃ to see that my concerns had been addressed. The painting experience was excellent, just like I stated in my last review. The food was now $ 5 (previously $ 7) and the wine was served in classy clear plastic cups rather than the solo cups I mentioned in the previous review. I bought a beer this time, and although the painting started late, we still ended on schedule. I still recommend eating before coming here, as there isn’t a huge selection. I already bought my tickets for next time.
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Original update 12÷31÷12:
I’ve heard back from Stan here and via e-​mail and he is doing a tremendous job at addressing my criticisms within this review. I think the highly attentive customer service deserves the fifth star to be added back, anticipating that the major change I want to see (end time on website coincides with actual end time) has been enacted.
Without hesitation I am able to give Muse 5 stars because of their great followup and willingness to address customer comments. They put the effort in to make things right, not only with their customer’s paintings, but also their comments even after their painting experience. Muse is a real masterpiece and I look forward to returning again!