Nothing is better than seeing art up close in a museum. Here are some tips for the best possible museum-going experience.
Before your visit
- Check out the website. In addition to obvious things like hours, ticket prices, and parking, take a look at the permanent collection and special exhibitions to get a preview of what’s on display.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll do a surprising amount of walking.
- Don’t bring a large or big bag. You’ll probably have to check it at coat check; if not, carrying it around will get old quickly.
- Come fed. Museums don’t allow visitors to bring food inside because crumbs (and the pests they attract) are bad for the art. Museum cafes are generally overpriced, so it’s always a good idea to eat before you arrive.
During your visit
- Pick up a map. With their many wings and additions, museum buildings can be confusing and maze-like. So, be sure to pick up a map or use a digital one. Some museums’ maps are more helpful than others, but any map is better than none.
- Pace yourself. It’s better to aim for quality over quantity in your experiences, so it’s best to acknowledge that you can’t give every artwork the time and attention it deserves.
- Check before you photograph… without flash. Many museums let you take photographs, but some don’t or only allow it in certain galleries. And all museums ban flash photography because it can harm works of art.
- Put your phone on silent and pretend it doesn’t exist. Part of the fun of visiting a museum is escaping from your ordinary world for a while, and that’s hard to do if you keep answering texts or checking Instagram.
- Practice good museum etiquette. Museum etiquette is pretty simple; you basically just don’t want to do anything that’s obviously disruptive to anyone else. If you don’t talk loudly enough to draw stares, clown around, or hog artworks for excessive periods, you’ll probably do just fine.
- Be nice to museum employees. I hope I don’t need to explain this one. It’s common courtesy.
- Follow the rules to safeguard the art. Museum rules exist to keep old, fragile artworks safe and secure. Don’t touch the art, horse around in front of it, or photograph it with a flash.
Tips for Enjoying Art
- Take a tour or use an audio guide. Experiencing a museum through someone else’s lens can be very enriching, and that’s basically what a good live tour, audio guide, or app does for you. But make sure to also spend time exploring by yourself so you have your very own experience.
- Read wall labels judiciously. The information given on wall labels can greatly enhance your experience, but they can easily distract you from looking at the art itself. Let the labels guide you to look more closely, not become substitutes for using your own eyes.
- Keep your mind open and try new things. Don’t assume that you already know what you will and won’t enjoy. Go ahead and visit favorites, but also leave time to see unfamiliar artists and styles.
- Form your own interpretations. Making up wild stories about the art you see is just so much fun (especially if you have someone to share them with)! They don’t have to be “correct” as long as they inspire you to engage more deeply with what you’re experiencing.
- Expect to encounter crowds. Crowds are a reality to be faced at art museums. When they make me feel frustrated, it helps to remind myself that everyone is there for the same reason I am – to enjoy the art.
Remember that art museums are for everyone.
You’ll see all kinds of visitors inside an art museum – from fashionistas to flip flops-wearers and from art historians to absolute beginners. Nobody expects you to be an expert in order to visit. In fact, there’s no better way to start learning about art than to take your first art museum trip.
Get more expert tips for your art museum visit
This article was adapted from The Art Museum Adventure Guide, a handbook designed to help you have the best possible museum-visiting experience.
In the handbook, you’ll learn more about topics such as planning your visit, what to wear and bring, navigation and tours, basic museum rules and etiquette, and tips for enjoying art (with or without texts and guidance). If you’re new to visiting art museums and worry about feeling intimidated, lost, or out of place, the advice in this handbook is designed to helping you feel comfortable and get the most out of your visit.
Leave a Reply