Last week, I had a wonderful amount of feedback on my post. I had compared two fairly different types of museums, Art and Science Museums, to see what they can learn from each other. Often, museums silo their practices within their own specialty. By looking over the wall at the successes of others, the whole field improves. I have compiled feedback from many to create this graphic. It is really just a start. I am sure there are so many more strengths. In fact, if you see missing ones, I would love to hear about it.
Also, what about the museums and installations that have already picked up ideas from other types of museums. I have scores of examples, but I will share one. One of the most moving art experiences my family had was at the Redford Gardens in Quebec at an international art show. My children are regular museum-goers (a familiar hazard for museum kids), but there was something amazing about art in natural space. The children were talking about form and line in ways that I hadn’t really ever observed in other museums. And, my children were not alone. Many other families were having similar experiences around us.
What are some of your favorite times where a museum has broken its usual paradigm and thereby improved the visitor experience?
