Museum 2.0

MARCH 21, 2012

At the museum of art and history where I work, we are grappling with the question of how to help people enjoy themselves while keeping the art and artifacts safe. In the history gallery, we have some blended props and artifacts, and it's rarely clear what is and is not ok to touch. Art, however, does not come to museums pre-hardened.

Museum 49

Museum Artist Arts Denver 49

Museum 2.0

FEBRUARY 7, 2011

Museums and other venues are offering special programs for teens, for hipsters, for people who want a more active or spiritual or participatory experience. Sometimes these innovations are woven into the institutional core programming, as at the redesigned, highly interactive Oakland Museum of California.

Arts 50

Arts Museum Calendar Music 50

Museum 2.0

JUNE 2, 2010

Kathleen McLean (Independent Exhibitions), Dan Spock (Minnesota History Center), and Kris Morrissey (University of Washington) all shared thought-provoking and useful insights on visitor participation in museums, but Mark Allen and Emily Lacy brought down the house with their bluegrass rendering of the Machine Project and its engaging, quirky work.

Slides 22

Slides Museum Participatory San Jose 22

Museum 2.0

JULY 17, 2008

MN150 is a newish permanent exhibition (opened in Oct 2007) at the Minnesota History Center that marks the sesquicentennial of Minnesota with 150 of “the most influential forces in the state’s history.” I was really surprised by the range and just how much people know about history. We also talked to historians on staff.

Interview 21

Interview Minnesota Museum History 21

Museum 2.0

DECEMBER 28, 2010

Every once in a while I come across a project I wish I could have included in The Participatory Museum. While the museum and the school didn't have a strong history of collaboration, this project seemed reasonable enough to try. it's a Secret! , What made Shh. it's a Secret! It started with a real institutional need.

Children 46

Children Museum Create Project 46

Museum 2.0

JULY 7, 2010

Most of my work contracts involve a conversation that goes something like this: "We want to find ways to make our institution more participatory and lively." It requires trading a certain history for an uncertain future--a nerve-wracking prospect no matter the situation. Fabulous!" "But This is incredibly scary.

Audience 40

Audience Museum Oakland Participatory 40