Complete Museum Tips # 10-1

Please know that all thoughts, opinions, and ideas expressed in this video and or article are my own, and any sources will be listed in the description or bottom of the website. I am not sponsored nor am I a representative of any museum or any higher institution in any way mentioned in this video. I am using my experience working in a museum to be educational.

I hope to make this into a book one day. For now this is a modified You Tube Script.

Here is a script in two versions from my YouTube channel. As a full article here and in sections. As of October 10, 2024 I have yet to post the video so check back for updates. This script still has generalized helpful tips and information.

Know before you go. - This will probably be my tagline. It pertains to museum trip preparation.

The tips and ideas in this video are partly for doing some of this before your trip. If you are watching this at a museum. There are still helpful strategies you can use. Whether you are new to museums or a veteran adventurer, my content can help. So, you know you want to visit a museum, but when and how? Where and why?

I will try and give you helpful information so you can have an easier time during your museum visit. I will give tips on parking and tickets. Along with ideas on if you arrive too early and how to get the most out of your time at a museum. A bonus tip is on all of my numbered transition slides.

If this video goes well and is positively received, I will do more research and create a series on the topics herein in more detail. If the information is repeated a bit please know that it is important. Let me know in the comments your thoughts.

# 10: Types of Museums

Written By Kelly Johnson

The first question you want to ask is what kind of museum you want to see. Museums can be on any subject and have any layout. I will go over a few popular ones here. Think of a Science museums full of dinosaurs. If someone is going to visit a fine art museum it has paintings and sculpture, not dinosaurs. So make sure it’s the right location as many museums in big cities are close together. If you are a fan of architecture the buildings themselves can be a real treat.

Not all museums have to be large like the METROPOLTIAN in NYC. Some of my personal favorites are house museums- a personal home turned into a museum. Whereas interactive museums are great for the summer and have more kid friendly activities than a traditional museum. While these three definitions tell you what the museum has inside it will not tell you the layout of the place. That is for you to discover and explore.

My advice is to wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk. Ask where the stairs and elevators are depending on how you want to travel.

An Encyclopedic Museum is the most likely museum that springs to mind when someone says museum. They are usually large institutions and offer visitors various information on local and global themes. They are mostly thematically defined or specialized. This museum can house just art, historical objects, or both. Think of The Metropolitan in New York as an example.

Historic house museums. A house or a building turned into a museum for various reasons, most commonly because the person living in it was important or something important happened. House is often equipped with furniture like it was when it was used. Visitors of the house learn through guides that tell the story of the house and its inhabitants. www.historyofmuseums.com

Interactive Museums and Immersive Institutions—This art can be its exhibit or a whole building. I do not believe there is a standard definition of what kind of art this is; think of the sort that will get even non-art lovers in the door. This level of interaction is based on how much and whether visitors can touch the art. Think photo or light projectors on the walls. There are whole rooms to explore.

Next let’s explore a quick way to get the most out of a museum’s website in terms of information. You can explore this at home or a few hours before you go visit. This is where you can find out information about things like hours of operation, ticket prices and parking. Plus, what there is to see and do in the museum.

 # 9: Museum Websites

Written By Kelly Johnson

Finding what you need can be a breeze or a bit difficult depending on how the website is set up. Most major museums will have an Collections tab where you can see what they have. This section will cover both in-person and online tips.

Use this as a chance to scope out the art before you go. Make sure the art you want to see is not an old post from 3 months ago. Check that it is still at that location or Google where it will go next.

Check the hours online on the official museum website. I cannot stress enough the importance of this simple and quick step. This will also help you find the best place to park in advance.

 I love Google, too, but sometimes museums and other websites/search engines do not communicate well with one another. Old webpages can pop up during your search and cause a problem. Just double check that the hours are correct on the museum main page and use that to confirm hours of operation, especially if there is a holiday.

The museum website will or (should) have hours and parking information right on its home page. Different museums will have a variety of layouts and might have more than one building over many blocks. This information should be under the about page or section.

Have you arrived too early? Here is a way to pass the time.

1. Visit any outdoor attractions they have to offer. See local sculptures, for example, if the weather permits.

2. Need a coffee or restroom break? Check for a café. Grab a map from the museum on your way back from the restroom.

3. Download a digital map and take a seat. Use this time to see what else the museum has to offer. No matter its size, they always have something good going on.

4. Check out the movie theater and or library info online if they have it.

Print out your tickets beforehand and you can skip some of the lines. You might have to get a tab or admission sticker at the desk or from a guest services staff member. This tells security you are here to see the museum and have paid for admission.

When most people think of museums, they tend to think of encyclopedic museums, such as the Metropolitan New York Museum. This colossal museum has multiple stories, floors, and everything to see. I had walked around there for hours looking for what I wanted to see when, on a return trip, I noticed the antiquity section was on the floor above and behind the ticket desk.

It is important to note that museums frequently move their collections and particular art pieces. So now that it might be moved because you’ve gone to see something. More significant museums might have the function I am about to mention. Smaller museums might not, depending on the size of their collection, which might already have everything on display. If you can research what you would like to see before you get there, it will make your trip easier.

For most museum websites, if you go to the About section on their webpage, you can click on Search the collection. If, for some reason, this is not under the About page, it might be its separate tab called collection. Once you find the search the collection tab, you can type in the name of the artist, time, or style you’re looking for. This next part is vital as it will help students, teachers, and general visitors.

                                                   National Gallery Search Box Image

Click on View tab or check box.

This lets you see what is currently out in the museum. Not all museum websites will have this feature. If new art is installed it might have to be updated online.

It is okay if you see more than one way to search for artwork. If you don’t remember the time or name of the artist, that is also okay. Not all search information or options on the museum website will apply to you. The example you will soon see comes from The National Gallery of art in Washington.

Sometimes, things will change once you’re there in person. I once went to a science museum and didn’t feel like taking the stairs. Using their map, I found my way to an elevator. Only it was a private staff elevator, so I had to take the stairs anyway. No matter what’s happening on your trip, you can always ask someone for directions.

If they're smaller, most museums can recommend places to eat nearby, and if they’re a big museum, they will have a place to eat inside. I know I talk a lot about big museums but so many smaller ones are my favorite. What determines the size of a museum is there collection. How much stuff do they have.

                                             Cat and Kittens Image from TNGA

This screenshot is of an oil painting called kittens from the year 1872. The information here is not that different from museum wall card: the information that is next to the work of art on the wall. A museum wall card tells you everything you need to know about the painting. This will be covered in it’s own video at some point. Hopefully.

# 8: FRONT DESK QUESTIONS:

Written By Kelly Johnson

This part is meant for guests who have their car parked but need to get tickets or more information. Some of these are good to search for online as it saves you time at the desk.

1.     Does your museum have an all access ticket? An all access ticket or a flat rate ticket is where you pay only one price to see all that the museum has to offer.

2.     Do you have any special exhibitions? A special exhibition is a temporary work of art and or whole gallery full of special art on lone. This is not part of the museum’s permanent collection.

3.     What do you think I should see from the permanent collection? Staff most times will be happy to suggest something popular that visitors enjoy.

4.     Go to the movies! Ask about how to get more information on films and see an interesting film at the museum. A science museum is a good place to for kids to see shark movies on the big screen in 3D.

5.     Do you have any discounts? Ask about the discounts for teachers, military and the elderly. If you are a docent, ask about reciprocal advantages.

6.     Ask for a wheelchair for your group. Need a wheelchair let gest service and or security know, and you are good to go. Ask about charging an electric wheelchair in the museum if that is what you need. Need to charge your phone visit the café, or the library.

7.     Where are the kid’s activities today? And are they free?  Most museums have kids activities especially on a “free day”.

8.     What day and time (if it applies) are your free day? Most museums have a free admission day.

9.     Strollers for baby and children: What can I bring? What should I put back in the car? It might be tough to understand museum rules on this one but please follow them. The museum website should have more information or ask to see the back of map. Most museum maps should have rules on the back.

10.  Ask any question on a medical need or situation: Like lights and seizures for example. Or alternate paths for the elderly with less walking.

Need tickets now and did not get them online? That is ok. See if they have a kiosk. They look kind of like an ATM machine. You do not have to be a member to print out tickets from here. Ask staff for help. If the machine is not working, get tickets at the front desk.


Want more info on who Guest Services is? Check out this post. 

 #7: Museum Parking

 Written By Kelly Johnson

The parking situation can be vairy depending on the museum you visit. Everything from a multi-story garage to a simple parking lot at smaller museums. Some museums might have a distinct set up so use Google Earth to your advantage. Check out the place before you go. Though you do not have to drive. I wish I had a better strategy to assist with parking but for now I do not.

Walking:--If you have online tickets (digital tickets or a screenshot on your phone), go inside the museum if you are on foot. Do remember to stop by the desk to get an admission tab to show you did pay for your tickets.

Biking:-- Staff can tell you where to park and lock your bike. Note that some places near the museum, like an outdoor sculpture garden, will not let you put your bike inside the garden. If it rains, ask about inside storage; staff can answer your questions. Also check the parking garage for a bike rack.

Ride Share:--Just note the best pick-up and drop-off points. You can always ask a staff member for help later. Tell them you plan to use a ride share so they can give you the best location. If you are still in the car and your driver gets many requests to this location, they might know a good pick-up spot.

Car--If you need to drop off friends and family, find a driveway. Your navigation application should help with this. Just be aware of busy events nearby, construction, and weather.

Skateboard or Electric Scooter:--Ask staff about storage and get a ticket number to get your item back. Use a backpack to store any part of your scooter you would like to protect it. Your items will be cared for by museum staff in a safe location.

Need a wheelchair? --If you pull up in the driveway, museum staff can direct you. Already inside? Just let the staff know, and they will bring you one. They can also tell you about nearby ramp entrances for wheelchair users, whether manual or electric.

Need tickets now and did not get them online? That is ok. See if they have a kiosk. They look kind of like an ATM machine. You do not have to be a member to print out tickets from here. Ask staff for help. If the machine is not working get tickets at the front desk.

Give yourself time to get to your car before you leave the museum. If you park on the street take a photo of the street signs. Go really early if you want to get free street parking.

# 6: Museum Permits & Photography

Oct 10

Written By Kelly Johnson

No commercial photography can be done without a permit ( A written warrant or license granted by one having authority.) approved by museum staff. You aren't allowed to make any money from these photo shoots. Do not upload them to your website. This goes for video as well. These rules can apply to any museum not just a fine art one.

Fill out the online form a few weeks before your trip and get extra time if approved. Know your permit limits and do not go beyond them, like including all images of Nike shoes, for example. Museums will not want to be associated with any brand taken in your photos on their property. Plan ahead especially if you are from out of town.

Taking pictures with your family and friends is fine to later show your Grandmother is fine.

What is a permit?

Legal Definition (Dictionary.com)

: a written warrant or license granted by one having authority.

What is Commerce? And what does No Commercial Photography really mean.

: the exchange or buying and selling of goods, commodities, property, or services, especially on a large scale and involving transportation from place to place:

occupied with or engaged in commerce or work intended for commerce.

https://noma.org/visit/photo-permit/

And what does No Commercial Photography really mean.

An example of this is from the New Orleans Museum of Art.

 (See below for NOMA’s definition of commercial photography)

Check the museum’s website or call about there photography policy. It should be under the about section. Here is an example of some questions that might be on a photography permit.

Why do I need a (commercial) permit?

If you will make money from your photography, be it on social media, a business website, etc. You will need to get a permit. This paperwork lets security and other museum staff know a few important answers. Here are some examples of the questions you will be asked to answer.

What is your name, and how many people are with you?

How long will you be at the museum?

What type of photo shoot is this? Wedding Pictures? Magazine?

Where and how will you use the photos, you took today in the future? Think of any way it will be used. (Always ask for extra time so you don’t rush, and models can change clothes.)

What type of gear will you bring? How many cameras? Will you use a tripod?

Some museums still follow old-school rules, which is fine. Most will let you take pictures, though. Examples of an old-school rule: Some museums still enforce the no-photography rule. One example is the MENIL COLLECTION in Houston, Texas.  Most have changed this since the rise of the smartphone. Other smaller museums will not allow photos in some cases to protect the collection and draw in return visitors.

Make sure the flash is turned off. (Yes, no flash.) Some cameras have a museum mode.

If you just want photos to share online with friends and have a memento of the trip you are fine.

Why flash can’t be used? In short, it will damage the artwork.

“But my phone turns on auto flash.” Please turn it off.

“I don’t know how to turn off the flash.” Staff or a family member will be happy to help.

“I brought a Polaroid camera?” Still no flash.

Why and how the flash will damage artwork?

Older works of art

In short, light exposure will damage the artwork directly or, at the very least, reflect light and distract visitors. Older works of art, such as paintings, works on paper (drawings and maps), and books, will be significantly damaged.

Modern Art; Behind the glass or in a case: photography with a flash is still not ok. It is just a general rule of thumb.

I was told I could take pictures without a flash. How do I get the best photos?

See if your phone or camera has a museum setting. I learned from a visitor that some photography cameras have a setting specifically for museums. This particular setting on the camera will take into account the museum’s lighting. When taking photographs of this setting, it automatically adjusts for the best photo possible. I do not know what camera models come with the settings; you have to do your research. In a pinch, if you need to, your smartphone can take pretty good photos, too.

#5: Backpacks & Coat Check

Oct 10

Written By Kelly Johnson

Here is a script in two versions from my YouTube channel. As a full article here and in sections. As of October 10, 2024 I have yet to post the video so check back for updates. This script still has generalized helpful tips and information.

Backpacks are everywhere and are no longer used only by students. Museum security and Guest Services must deal with your choice of bag the most.  Why this rule? To protect the art from getting damaged. I will do my best to cover the types of bags and how to wear them best. Remember always to follow the rules regarding your bag. It’s to protect not only the art but also your belongings in your bag. If museum staff hasn’t already told you how to properly wear your bag while on museum property, feel free to ask.

Off-the-shoulder is an option if you want to keep your backpack mostly on your back. You might wonder why security asks you to wear your bag in this way. When you wear a backpack the traditional way, you will increase the number of objects and people you can bump into. This is especially true if you have a bulky bag full of many items. Sculptures have been knocked over. The bag or purse is an extension of your body.                               

It might be easier to lock up your backpack items in the trunk of your car. If you feel uncomfortable with this, you can use the museum's coat check service. They will store your bag until you’re ready to pick it up. Feel free to take items with you, like a camera or bottle of water. Keep track of your ticket to claim your bag or luggage.

Another option is to put your backpack in the front. Make sure the shoulder straps are at maximum tightness so the bag can stay on you. I have worn even a small backpack this way that was not very heavy, and I found it to be somewhat uncomfortable. Museum staff asked you to wear your bag in this way because the bag is always in your front. You can see how close your bag is getting to the artwork and other objects on display.

If neither of these options works for you, you can carry your bag by the hand strap.

I suggest bringing in a messenger bag, as you have it slung over one shoulder and can be worn in various ways. Women your large purse must be worn in a similar manner.

Most people want to know how to tell if the bag is too bulky. If it looks like you’re going on a solo camping trip for a week it’s too bulky.

Small canvas tote bags and most women’s purses should be fine. Museum staff have had to adjust to the current trend of women’s backpacks becoming their purses. Please help out the security staff and do not leave your bags unattended. Things can and do get stolen.

For more information on what happens when visitors don’t follow the rules with art.



#4: Museum Navigation Tips

Oct 12

Written By Kelly Johnson

 The following tips and suggestions will be for both an in-person visit and online in various circumstances. Museums come in a variety of sizes and shapes. When most people think of a museum, they tend to think of the encyclopedic museum, for example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This is a huge museum with multiple stories and floors and a little bit of everything to see. Just explore. You find so many cool things off the beaten path.

Museum navigation is one of the most important things a visitor and museum staff must deal with. You can use the museum map online to study the layout beforehand. It would be really hard to list every museum and how to get around. This is just some general tips.

It is important to note that museums frequently move their collections and particular art pieces. Just know what you want to see could be moved or gone. Larger museums might have the function I am about to mention. Smaller museums might not, depending on the size of their collection, have everything on display already. If you can research what you would like to see before you get there, it will make your trip easier.

For in person visits, take a breakout a map. Grab some lunch in the café (if they have one) and study the map. Mark on it if it is paper or digital. Get a paper map as a back up in-case the digital one fails due to poor connection.

    National Gallery of Art Screenshot

An example of using a museum website online: Do this before you visit.

For most museum websites, if you go to the About section on their webpage, or you can click on Search the collection. This might be called collection in the tab. If, for some reason, this is not under the About page, it might be its separate tab. Once you find the search the collection option, you can type in the name of the artist, time, or style you’re looking for. This next part is vital as it will help students, teachers, and general visitors.

Example of navigation tabs

Home > Art > Collection.

Click on the View tab or check the box.

This lets you see what is currently out in the museum.

It is okay if you see more than one way to search for artwork. It is also okay if you don’t remember the time period or name of the artist.

Not all search information or options on the museum website will apply to you.

Sometimes, things change once you’re there in person. I went to a science museum one time and didn’t feel like taking the stairs. Using their map, I found my way to an elevator. Only it was a private staff elevator, so I had to take the stairs anyway.

No matter what’s happening on your trip, you can always ask someone for directions.

Most museums can recommend places to eat nearby if they’re smaller, and if they’re a major museum, they’re going to have a place to eat inside. Remember to visit the gift shop before the café. That way, you don’t have to carry your purchases all over the museum.

Terms and Situations

Bonus Section

These are the most common employees you will see. Here are their departments. If the museum is small a staff member will have more than one role to play.

Guest Services, also known as Membership, sells and scans your admission tickets. This is different from your parking garage ticket.

Parking Dept. This is who to call if the parking arm will not raise or if the machine stops giving tickets to enter the garage.

Security- will give you directions and answer your questions. They help with lost and found items. They tell you to check your bag or to put away the coffee you are drinking. Please do so.

Docent-A Museum tour guide who is usually a volunteer.

 Elevator Navigation

How to read elevator Buttons: Not all museums will have the same number of parking or layout situation. While I cannot guess at every museum layout. I can give you information on how to read elevator buttons.

B- Basement

F-First Floor or M for Main Floor.

G- Ground Floor/ The G could also stand for Garden. In case they have a sculpture garden.

M- Mezzanine level- A partial story between two main stories of a building.

R- Roof Level

S- Storage- This could be for museum staff only.

 I hope what you learned today was fun and informative. You made it to the end. I know I gave you a lot of information to consider. Usually, for first-time museum visitors, the most challenging part will be your unique parking situation, navigation and getting tickets. I hope this information was helpful.

Bonus: For more information click here.

Additional Information: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/travel/how-to-navigate-a-museum.html

# 3: Food and Drink in a Museum Setting

Oct 12

Written By Kelly Johnson



Food and drink are both problematic for museums and visitors. Food and drink are not allowed inside museum galleries. Keep your drink in your bag if it is closed like a water bottle. Find a bench in the main lobby to consume your drink or go near the main entrance doors.

Depending on how long you will be at the museum, you have three options for your trip.

1.     You can eat before or after your trip. Security will gladly tell you about the rules.

2.     The second option is to have lunch in a museum café halfway through your trip and take a break.

3.     The third option is to keep your admission tickets with you and any stickers or tabs that go on your clothing. It is a place nearby as this can usually be a cheaper option. Then once you have finished lunch, return to the museum. If you find a place within walking distance, you don’t have to give up your parking space.

While you are walking around museums, the kind of container drink matters. Museum staff might be more lenient with you and will enable you to keep your beverage if it has a lid that closes tightly like a plastic water bottle. Those caps seal on and have minimal risk of spillage and leaks. Even disposable coffee cups with the kinds of lids they have might not be good enough. So, if any museum staff member, especially security, asks you to put away your food and drink, please do so.

You can make eating your meal the last thing before leaving the museum. Remember to visit the gift shop before the café. That way, you don’t have to carry your purchases all over the museum. Once you finish eating, you can take your leftover food and items to your car. This is also an excellent strategy to keep in mind if you’re using a ride share program and someone is picking you up.

If you arrive at the museum and have a coffee, for example, that you want to finish as staff, you can sit down nearby. Take your time, enjoy your beverage, and view a map to get your bearings. As long as you’re seated safely away from any artwork, museum staff should let you finish your drink.

If you have a medical need to keep food and drink on your person, please let guest services know at the front desk and or security when you see them. They might be able to put a sticker on your water bottle, for example, to alert security and fellow museum staff.

If you are approached by security, there is no shame in letting them know that you have diabetes, for example. I have it and need to always keep candy with me, if not a drink. Always do your best to follow the rules. They keep the art and visitors safe. This is just from both my personal experience as a museum visitor and a former employee.

#2: Kids and Events in Museums

Oct 12

Written By Kelly Johnson

                              

Before you go, please check your museum's policy on strollers and wagons. Museums can make updates and changes about this at any time, and it helps to be informed. See the section on front desk questions. Some museums are for adults only and my not allow children.

Museums market themselves as kid friendly. Some museums may have designated areas for children to play in daily activities, well most do. However, please note that not all areas of the museum are child friendly. The exception is a children’s museum, whose equipment is made from kid friendly material to play on. They also have lots of activities, and kid-friendly food.

Over time, most museums have frequently had museum activities for children. Note that most of these are free, although some might include advance tickets or a sign-up fee. The majority of them should be free, and you can join on the day of while you are in the museum. Science museums would have more of a designated area for children to run around in and let off steam.

Please note that outside of this limited range, even if your child is involved in an art-making activity, for example, they still need to be on their best behavior. This is because they could be a few feet from a work of art.

Now, having said that, museums are wonderful places to take children. You know your child best, so depending on their age and current interest, perhaps they would like to visit the museum's library or see a movie. The summer is a great time for kids films.

As a backup plan, you could get your child a coloring book or book to read while you visit the museum to keep them occupied. If you haven’t brought one along already, you can get one at the gift shop.

Museums typically release a calendar on their website and frequent updates on social media about upcoming activities. Check ahead of time to see what is going on. You can also check your city’s local website for free events with children. Museums are cultural centers that are sometimes near parks. If the museum doesn’t work out for your child and the weather permits, take them to the park for a while. It could be a good way for them to get sleepy, and then you can hopefully return to the museum.

Check the back of a map for basic museum rules.Hope this helps. 

 #1. Lost items or people in a museum setting

Oct 12

Written By Kelly Johnson

                                   

This is just meant to be general advice and not used for legal purposes.

If you have lost an item such as a phone, purse, or wallet, speak with the nearest security staff member. Give the security member a description of the item you’ve lost. If it’s your phone, tell them what color case it’s in and, for example, what the background photo or lock screen photo looks like. They can reach out to their supervisor to see if it has been turned in.

Now, depending on how long ago you lost your item, one of two things can happen. Let’s say, for example, that you’ve lost your phone. Stay with the security guard you are reporting this information to; do not walk away. Once they get in contact with their supervisor, if the item was lost a few days ago, if someone found it and turned it in, they will hold it for you.

If the item has not been found, you can give the security guard or supervisor your contact information. If it is turned in, they can call you about your missing phone and tell you to come pick it up.

If you lost the item recently, still have the security guard supervisor take down your phone number and information. If you lost your phone, maybe they can contact you on another device you have. If only a few hours or even a few minutes have gone by, retrace your steps and see if you can find the lost item. Things can and do go missing in museums, so keep with your things, especially if you are traveling abroad.

If someone picked it up and turned it in, it might be at a ticket or admissions desk. If this happens, a nearby security guard might not know your last item was turned in, so it doesn’t hurt to check with the desk, either. I suggest doing this first and then talking to security.

Talk to Museum Security immediately if you have someone missing from the museum. They will contact their supervisor, who will inform all museum staff within the security department about who to look for. It would help if you could give the following information:

The name, age, and appearance of the individual.

Describe to them anything that they are wearing or an item that they have with them, such as a backpack or light-up shoes. If they have any known health concerns or other important matters .

Let security know about your child’s personality and how they might interact when lost. Does your child tend to shy away from people if they feel uncomfortable? Or would they be walking around the museum looking for you? Do they stay in one spot or try and hide?

If you’re at a big museum, describing what your child is wearing can help the museum use its security cameras to find your last child. Have someone in your party return to the last place they were in case the child didn’t wander far away.

This is just meant to be general advice and not used for legal purposes.

Conclusion

I hope what you learned today was fun and informative. You made it to the end. I know I gave you a lot of information to consider. Usually, for first-time museum visitors, the most challenging part will be your unique parking situation, navigation and getting tickets.

As we learned in the video there is more than one type of museum to visit. You do not have to see them all on the same day. That makes for a very busy and overwhelming experience.

 Use the museum website beforehand to do your research. Explore the website and see what the museum has to offer. Check to see if the items you want to see are on view or now showing.

Make a list of questions on your phone for the front desk. Check what day has free admission or discounted admission. See if you want to become a member of the museum. You don’t have to but if you visit a lot you might consider it.

Use Google maps or your favorite navigation service to plan your route. Use Google Street view to get a feel for the buildings appearance and parking set-up. This way you know what to look for as you drive around or get dropped off. This information can help your ride share driver.

Get a photo permit ahead of time. Keep your camera’s flash off and get the help of a well organized friend if you need to plan a photo shoot. Ask for more time than you need in the paperwork to cover an unexpected surprises.

Check you bag at coat check if they have one. No need to carry all of your things around. Pack light before your trip or store things in your car.

Need time to study the map. Take a seat on a bench or in the café and figure out where to go next. You can write on the paper map. It is yours after all. Cross off what you have seen and mark where you want to go next. I used to tell visitors to mark where they parked on the map so they had a easy time finding there car.

Please follow the rules for all food, drinks and bags. Thanks. It’s up to you when you feel is the best time to eat in regards to your museum trip. I do, however, suggest eating half way through your trip. Rest in the café and get your bearings again. Finish up the second half of the museum. It makes the trip easer which could cover more than one building less tiresome.

There are activities for kids to do at the museum. It just depends on which one you go to. Don’t forget to see the movies and visit the library as well. Explore the gift shop too.

Ask security for any help with a lost item or person as soon as possible.

Know before you go. - This will probably be my tagline. It pertains to museum trip preparation.

Thanks for watching and remember Know Before Your Go to a museum near you!

Sources:

 

http://www.historyofmuseums.com/museum-facts/types-of-museum/

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/01/28/how-new-immersive-institutions-are-changing-the-art-world ???? Use?

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permit#legalDictionary

Image by Paul Sprengers from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/stairs-steps-old-architecture-426389/

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/house-home-door-sidewalk-2606818/

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3222267">Gerd Altmann</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3222267">Pixabay</a>

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition •- Mezzine

http://www.historyofmuseums.com/museum-facts/types-of-museum/

Image by Nan Berrett from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/tickets-booth-sign-admission-1056081/

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/backpack-book-travel-bag-notebook-1839705/

https://pixabay.com/photos/cafe-restaurant-chairs-tables-1872888/

Image by 현국 신 from Pixabay

Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/glasses-book-education-eyeglasses-1052010/

Image by Igor Saveliev from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/parking-lot-parking-line-markup-705873/

Image by Dušan Cvetanović from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/bike-street-parking-bicycle-6970834/

Image by Tom from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/parking-meter-clock-transport-3407447/

Image by Public Co from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/natural-history-museum-london-2203648/

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/bust-head-sculpture-art-hellenic-5524961/

Image by Ofoto Ray from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/sitting-museum-glass-building-6897751/

Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/museum-temple-ancient-5400973/

Image by Gabriella Grifò from Pixabay

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/adventurous_blondine-16194710/?utm_source=linkattribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5082786">Gabriella Grifò</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5082786">Pixabay</a>

Image by Elisabeth Rudolf from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/photos/crayon-kid-drawing-illustration-663940/

 

 

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#1. Lost items or people in a museum setting