Learning in Museums: Visitor Experience and Participation

As we discussed in class, learning in museums is not the same as in schools. Instead of being directed and expert-led, museums offer visitors opportunities to freely move through space, empowering each person to choose his or her own individual path based on personal interests or curiosity.

With the visitor engagement in mind, summarize either John Falk's essay "The Museum Visitor Experience" or Nina Simon's "Principles of Participation," discussing how the author maps out strategies to best support visitor learning in the museum setting. How does your author view the audience, and what does he/she see as vital to improving each visitor's museum experience in the years to come? What do you think about the author's ideas? Discuss these elements in your summary, using at least four sentences, and post to the blog no later than 5 pm, Monday, November 2. Thanks and have a great weekend!

Exhibition Design: Setting the Stage for the Museum Visitor

Exhibition design can make or break a show in a museum. Do it wrong, and the visitor response could be irritation, feeling stupid, or even worse, walking right pass the exhibition entrance. Do it right, and it becomes like a subconscious guide, revealing the power of objects and a story to tell.

With design in mind, think to your own experiences in museum exhibitions: Was there one you remember that resonated with you in part because of its good design? Or was there one that fell flat thanks to elements that interfered with your appreciation of artworks on view, or your overall experience? Recount your personal experience, using details of museum location, design aspects, and specific show, in at least four sentences. Feel free to jog your memory with a bit of research, and post your entry no later than 5pm, Monday, October 26. Thanks, and happy homecoming to all!