Museums are filled with art, history and culture that make the mind wander. Many people still think of museums as being boring and stuffy, but if you haven’t been to an exceptional museum in some time, you may be surprised by how transcendent these institutions can be. Some even have the ability to change a person’s perspective on society, and can inspire their visitors to live differently.
The main function of a museum is to provide educational experiences, but this can mean so much more. Many museums are redefining education, and changing the way they engage with their audiences.
Rather than simply teaching a subject, museums have begun to focus on how their exhibitions can be used as a medium for learning. This is done through storytelling, interactive exhibits and other experiences that can help people learn in a variety of ways. This type of learning is often referred to as “non-formal” learning and has been shown to be just as effective as formal schooling in certain types of students.
A lot of museums are also using their collections as a means to teach history and the world around us. Museums are becoming more and more focused on sustainability, and educating their audiences in the ways of conservation. They are also focusing on the impact of humans on our planet and showing how humans have impacted biodiversity. The future of education may be a more self-directed passion-based one, and museums are working to provide the resources and opportunities for this type of learning.
Some museums use their collections as a source of inspiration. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, for example, uses their artwork to spark curiosity and encourage people to think for themselves. Their art collections range from ancient masterpieces to contemporary pieces. They also have a number of special exhibitions that are sure to captivate any visitor.
In addition, some museums are bringing their art and history to places where they would normally not be found. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is an example of a museum boosting the economy and reviving a city’s old town. Other museums have used their collections to encourage a sense of national identity. For example, Napoleon I collected a great deal of art during his campaigns, and this was often displayed in the museums that he had established.
Other museums have a more traditional approach to education, and are working to inspire their visitors to live differently. These museums are often called “inspirational” museums, and they aim to encourage their visitors to take action on issues that they feel are important. For example, the Griffith Observatory and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum don’t have a lot of artifacts, but they still manage to be inspirational museums.