How to Visit a Museum: Advice from a Curator
Museums are great and not just because I work in one but because of all the wonderful things you can see and learn about. But there are a lot of people who don’t visit them. Why not, you ask? Because they don’t really seem like they are for everyone and that’s a shame.
I’ve had terrible experiences in museums. Sometimes I feel like the security people are hounding me and my kids just waiting for us to try to touch something. Sheesh, chill out dude. I’m just pointing something out to my kid and we’re like four feet away. Sometimes the people in the galleries aren’t prepared to answer your questions. That is really annoying. Sometimes the labels are so boring it’s hard not to yawn.
No need to worry. Do these simple things and you can have a great museum experience anywhere.
1 — When you arrive pick up the gallery map or museum guide. Most big museums have one by the cash register or the front door. Peruse it for a minute or two. Get the lay of the land and pick out the areas you think you are interested in. Some museums are so large you could get lost in them easily. Use the map to plan your route through the building so you see everything you want in the time you have. Also locate the bathrooms and gift shop.
2 — Ask the front desk if they can make a suggestion of where to start. They will usually give you a couple suggestions. Or, in a museum like ours, we will tell you where to start so that you can proceed through the galleries chronologically. We have suggested people go through backwards because they arrived just after a large group of children.
2.5 — Check out the museums website and social media pages before hand. You can find lots of useful information there. They may be having some special programs when you will be visiting. Poke around and see what you can find.
3 — If there are no signs ask about the photography policy. Some facilities allow photography while, others allow photography but only without the flash and some prohibit it all together. If in doubt, ask. Ask before you get scolded by a grumpy docent or security guard.
4 — If you are going to a big tourist attraction museum, join a guided tour. Honestly, getting a tour with a curator or volunteer is the best way to get the most out of your experience. If you have children with you ask if they have children’s activities or a special kid’s tour. Some don’t but they will give you suggestions about what other visitors enjoy.
5 — Be aware of your surroundings and your belongings. Have you ever been to the crowded fair and been run over by a stroller? Not fun. Have you ever knocked something over in a store with your purse or bag slung over your shoulder? Yeah, that happens in museums too. Be careful. If you don’t need it, leave it. Some facilities have coat rooms where you can leave your monster stroller, bags, coats, etc.
6 — Participate in the activities. The museum staff works hard to create interesting things to engage you and your kids. Do them. Get involved. Most museums have signs that say “DON’T TOUCH!” but look for the opportunities built into the experience where you and your kids can and are encouraged to touch.
Here’s a news story from last year.
7 — Talk. Museums aren’t libraries. There is no need for hushed voices. Sparking a conversation with the docent, volunteer, your kids, or the person standing next to you can be enlightening for all of you. I have ended up giving a tour to a bunch of strangers because I started explaining things to my kids. The other people in the gallery thought I was an employee. It was great fun. I met some awesome people. We went through the rest of the museum together as a group and we attracted a docent who then started giving us an impromptu tour.
8 — If you don’t like crowds go on a Tuesday. During the week the museum is usually slow with fewer people. Just like going to a restaurant after the lunch rush or before the dinner rush you can get better service when the staff isn’t hurried and rushed to meet the needs of a ton of people.
9 — Know that your admission fees are important to the success and the future of the museum. Museums are notoriously underfunded and every dollar you spend in admissions or in the gift shop is vitally important to them. I know they can get pricey but look into the memberships. Sometimes you can get a membership for cheaper than a one-time visit, especially if you have a lot of people in your group. It’s what I do. You can also keep a look out for free admission days. Local businesses sometimes sponsor a couple days a year; Sonic and Bank of America, for example. Check into discounts like military, group rates, senior rates, etc.
10 — Be open and enjoy it. You are going to be exposed to things that are outside your comfort zone. Know that before going and allow yourself the time to consider the stories being presented. You don’t have to agree. You don’t have to like it. Museums are safe places to exchange ideas and thoughts.
Note on Special Exhibits: Larger museums will host a special exhibits that require an extra charge. You don’t have to pay it unless you really want to see it. Be aware though, if you buy a ticket you may have a scheduled time to enter. For exhibits like King Tut, the museum has to manage the large crowds it draws. They can’t let everybody in on demand. It gets too crowded and can become unsafe and unpleasant. Check before you purchase.
Some of my favorite museums:
Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas
Exploration Place in Wichita, Kansas
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum In Boston, Massachusetts
Philbrook Museum of Art In Tulsa, Oklahoma
and of course…
The Oklahoma Territorial Museum in Guthrie, Oklahoma
