Museum Learning

Museums are places where viewing, thinking, feeling, and learning take place. Learning occurs in a wide variety of fashions and with a wide variety of individuals. As opposed to more formal instruction, people who decide to make a visit to a museum learn through interaction with objects, displays, exhibits, and the educational opportunities that museums provide. Some take guided tours, and others buy audio guides to enhance their visit. They read the explanatory material that accompanies works and exhibits and discuss their reactions with the people who have come to the museum with them.

Most museums run educational programs for students from schools and colleges and for organizations such as clubs and societies. Notwithstanding such programs, in thinking about learning in museums, one is primarily concerned ...