From Looking to Doing: An Uncertain Future for Science and Art Museums
Visitation at collections-based museums – science, technology, art, and natural history – has been in steady decline. What can be done?
Our Gray Town (and what we can do about it)
Most of us wouldn’t hesitate to choose the richer, more rewarding option. So why, when it comes to our shared public spaces, do we so often settle for blandness?
Building Perseverance, One Step at a Time
Perseverance is another fundamental need of childhood character-building that museums can help parents encourage.
Should All Museums Be Disruptive?
Is there any benefit to embracing an occasional “ice plunge” into disruptive museum action?
Why Beauty is More Important Than You Think
We need beauty to sustain our human spirit—and children need to encounter beauty if they are ever to develop such a spirit themselves.
The Ideal Client-Designer Relationship: 5 Keys to a Successful Project
Whether you’re a designer or someone looking to commission a design, it’s helpful to recognize the qualities that contribute to a successful project.
Reviving Wonder and Curiosity in a Regulated World
We explore how museums can position themselves to reawaken children’s wonder through intentional design choices.
The Lionhearted Child: Unlocking the Courage Within
The key to developing courage lies in carefully calibrated perils—situations that sit just beyond the comfortable, and just shy of true danger.
5 Ways to Mitigate the Risk of Climbing Structures in Children’s Museums
Risky play is a crucial part of children’s development. How can you mitigate this risk at your museum to protect the organization from liability?
Building Character Through Play: How Museums Can Inspire Strengths That Last a Lifetime
Can children’s museum exhibits build character in kids? We think so. Here we explain 4 keys to creating a successful character-building exhibit.
Alone for A While: How Climbing Structures Foster a Child’s Sense of Independence
A climbing structure may be one of the few places in modern society where children can cultivate autonomy in a way that feels safe and acceptable.
5 Easy Steps to Estimating Exhibit Costs for Children’s Museums
Having a well-informed starting place for preliminary cost estimating can make a huge difference in determining viability in the early planning stages of an exhibit.