Museums offer so much, that trying to take it all in can be exhausting and some art may require greater consideration than others.
Many museums provide tours, programs and classes designed to enrich visitors’ museum experiences. If you want the fullest possible museum experience, attend these events!
1. Pick a museum
Most museums now provide websites where visitors can explore ticket prices (though some still do not), exhibits, parking tips and instructions, etc. It is worthwhile to consult this information prior to visiting so as to maximize your museum visit experience.
Big museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or British Museum contain millions of items in their collections, making it impossible to view everything during one visit. Planning ahead can help reduce FOMO and fatigue – take advantage of guided tours or activities if available, or download an audio guide as an aid.
2. Plan your visit
Big museums such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Paris’ Louvre and London’s British Museum contain millions of objects that would take years to fully appreciate on a single visit. Even trying can be frustrating and exhausting!
Before visiting a museum, explore its website in advance to gather information on ticket prices, special exhibits or events, parking tips and parking requirements. Many museums also provide YouTube videos which will familiarize you with their collection.
3. Go at a less busy time
Museums can often become overcrowded and overwhelming. This may leave visitors feeling disenchanted and less than enriching experiences at these spaces.
If you want the most from your visit, aim for times with less people present and conduct pre-trip research on their website – many will include information such as opening hours, locations and directions as well as details on collections or exhibitions that you might find fascinating.
Watch behind-the-scenes content – many museums post videos to YouTube showing off their collection stores and conservation studios.
4. Be selective
An attempt to see everything at a museum will only result in exhaustion, so it is wise to stay as long as you enjoy the visit before departing when enough is enough.
Many museums provide visitors with online or in-person resources, handling kits and activities to enable them to explore and understand their collections. Some even provide outreach programs where objects can be brought directly into communities like schools, libraries and nursing homes.
Continue your learning after visiting a museum – play an observation-based game with your family about which paintings caught their eye or explore any lingering questions that remained.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Museum staff members are knowledgeable and always happy to offer assistance; however, due to other duties they may take time in responding to emails or phone calls.
So if you have questions, be sure to voice them! It will only enhance your museum visit experience and add greater meaning. Museums also make great places for engaging in dialogue between family and friends – think about all of the conversations sparked by dinosaur exhibits! Discussing what you learned after leaving can add even greater depth and insight.
6. Take a break
Museums can be an incredible source of learning, but they can also be daunting places. Without proper preparation or expectations in place, it can be easy to walk in feeling disillusioned or disappointed when entering.
Make the most of your visit by keeping these tips in mind, and remember if you’re feeling tired or bored it’s OK to leave; many museums offer same-day reentry.
7. Don’t take photos
At museums, it can be tempting to take pictures for souvenirs; however, taking too many can detract from your experience and decrease its enjoyment.
Fairfield University conducted a recent study which concluded that participants remembered less of the details when taking photographs of objects rather than just looking at their memories alone.
An even better approach would be to take a pocket notebook along and note your questions, impressions and ideas as you go around the museum. That way you can bring the experience home with you – whether that means discussing art that captured your attention, debating ancient life’s realities or reflecting upon personal career development through insights gained.
8. Don’t overdo it
Museums can be overwhelming, so be careful not to oversaturate yourself with too many exhibits or you risk experiencing “museum fatigue.” This condition occurs when your legs tire quickly, your mind becomes foggy, and exhibits start blending together rather than being fully observed by you.
Follow these tips, and you will make a significant impactful difference in making museums an experience everyone looks forward to visiting. Ultimately, museums contain knowledge which should remain accessible to future generations – it is our duty as part of society to ensure they continue being offered.
9. Don’t rush
Experienced museum goers know the feeling: your legs ache, your mind begins to wander and exhibits pass you by without fully appreciating their value. This phenomenon is called museum fatigue and it can wreak havoc even at some of the greatest museums.
There are various strategies you can employ to avoid this scenario, starting with planning ahead. Many museums provide virtual tours and audio guides online so that visitors can familiarize themselves with their collection before visiting in person, which also helps prioritize what to see while at the museum.
10. Indulge your sense of awe
Experience is the foundation of all true joy, and museums excel at inspiring it in their visitors.
Museums offer guided tours, audio guides and classes tailored specifically to your interests; booking one ahead is recommended in order to personalize the experience even further. Private tours are another great way of making it more individualized! Alternatively, visit their website first to conduct some preliminary research – compare digital images to actual ones on display and look out for any formal differences that might exist in displays or classes.
