New York Transit Museum’s Post

Back in 2011, I noticed that museum educators and guides were struggling to lead inquiry-based experiences that effectively engaged their groups. At the same time, teachers were telling me that they wanted museum programmes to inspire close observation, group discussion, and collaboration - with less “telling.” This 'engagement deficit' led to the creation of the Thinking Museum® Approach. Its core focus is engagement—how we see, explore, and interact with art and objects, and with each other. This approach gives educators, guides, and docents the tools to design and lead inquiry-based, engaging experiences in museums confidently. In preparation for the launch of my book, Cigdem Guven created a new look for the Thinking Museum® Approach that reflects its core values: meaningful connections, collaborative learning, and shared discovery. What do you think? I love it! PS Stay tuned for the release of 'The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums'. This book will provide practical techniques and tips to bring museum experiences to life. I'll put links in the comments to find out more.

Tip #2: Don’t shy away from hard conversations. Quatrefoil Associate and Senior Designer Auburn Leigh offers suggestions for successful projects in our latest blog article. "By questioning past assumptions and delving into difficult topics, museums can foster deeper engagement and understanding. The trick here is bringing in community members and multiple perspectives to ensure that you’re seeing all facets of an issue and addressing them equally." Read the full article on our blog! https://lnkd.in/eyYHNCJy

You knew museums were changing, but maybe not how much. Remuseum's new research report documents that almost 90% American art museums now center the public in their mission statements. 60% of those mission statements do not even mentions objects or collections. Only 11% still center objects/collections in their mission statements. A shift this radical takes a while to embody, and old habits (reflecting old missions) are often hard to shed. Remuseum’s recent research report (find it with related content at www.remuseum.org) documents that museums may be slow to embrace the degree of public transparency that their public-centered missions call for. And we invite museums to join our open data portal and share more information with the public they are built to serve. What museum data would you like to know? How would it help museums better serve their missions and thrive?

🔔 Latest Webinar: Preserving Digital Collections Stay informed on the latest developments in museum management with this upcoming webinar, Caring for Digital Collections: Taking Steps Now to Ensure Future Access. This event will cover essential strategies for preserving digital archives and ensuring they remain accessible for years to come. Digital collections are a growing priority for museums, and this webinar offers insights into the latest best practices for safeguarding these valuable assets. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving museum landscape! Visit: https://lnkd.in/gy4aWbkC to learn more #MuseumNews #DigitalCollections #CulturalPreservation #MuseumTech #WebinarUpdate

Exciting Publication Alert! 📢 I'm thrilled to announce that our latest work, "Multisensory Museum Experience: An Integrative View and Future Research Directions," has been published in the esteemed journal Museum Management and Curatorship. 💡 This paper is available in #OpenAccess. Our work lays the groundwork for nuanced future research endeavours in the fields of #MultisensoryExperience, #VisitorEngagement, and #ExhibitionDesign, particularly within the museum and aesthetic contexts. 💡 Main takeaways of this paper: ✅ Future research directions: 1. Research framework: Selecting pertinent theories for elucidating sensory experiences and identifying pivotal determinants shaping these experiences. 2. Conceptualization of the multisensory museum experience: Sensation, functions of senses, and visitor-exhibition interaction. 3. Role of technology in museum practices: XR technical embodiment and engaging children in the new era. ✅ Managerial implications for museums and aesthetic sites: 1. Set clear criteria to evaluate the exhibition design. 2. Consider situational factors from personal, physical, and sociocultural contexts. 3. Manage what museums can control: The bottom-up and top-down pathways. Huge thanks to my supervisors and co-authors, Lieve Doucé and Karin Nys! Your invaluable guidance and support have made this paper a reality 🎉🎉 #MuseumStudies #MultisensoryExperience #MuseumManagement #PublicationAlert #OpenAccess #ExhibitionDesign

If you are interested in how a class-based approach can inform contemporary museum theory and practice, have a look at this open-source article I wrote with Serena Iervolino for the latest issue of Museum Worlds

SNEAK PEEK Yesterday, members of the Slow Looking Club got an exclusive first look at the 10 Questioning Practices featured in my upcoming book, The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums. We even used one of them, The Perspectives Triangle, to explore this photograph by Imelda Schoutens. Questioning Practices are intentionally designed structures that foster engagement and inquiry in guided museum experiences. Tailored specifically for the museum context, they offer adaptable ways to spark meaningful discussions around art and objects, encouraging observation, critical thinking, and personal discovery. The 10 Questioning Practices in my book are versatile, flexible, and can be adjusted based on the object, audience, or programme goals. What makes them unique is that every time we use a Questioning Practice, we infuse something of ourselves into it - whether it’s our personal style of asking questions, facilitating discussions, or creating a welcoming atmosphere. I can’t wait to share all 10 with you in just a few weeks!

Can museums navigate societal collapse and be forces for resilience? Author Robert R. Janes doesn't just think so; he advocates for it. In his new book, 'Museums and Societal Collapse: the Museum as Lifeboat,' Robert outlines how museums can play a crucial role during crises. And the book offers hope (and lots of it) - Robert urges museums to redefine their purpose and values, to prepare practically, and to cultivate essential 'soft skills' necessary for supporting communities through uncertain times. In our interview, he suggests that museums possess the potential to be powerful agents of change, even amidst the most uncertain of circumstances. Read the full interview on my blog now via the link in the comments.

[Virtual Bible Museum Opens📖] The newly opened Virtual Bible Museum is drawing attention as a place to explore the history and culture of the Bible in a digital space. Visitors can now view rare Bibles and related artworks from around the world online. 🌍 This virtual museum offers a new platform for learning and discovery, not just for believers, but for anyone interested in history and culture. It features interactive exhibits using advanced 3D technology. 💡 The virtual experience transcends physical limitations, giving more people the opportunity to engage with the rich history and culture of the Bible. 🚀 There is growing anticipation for how this Virtual Bible Museum will use digital technology to advance education and awareness in the future. Read the full article here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eiazx3Et