#9: How to use a museum website

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. This is part of a top 10 YouTube Video series. 

# 9: Museum Websites

                        Home Page from The National Gallery of Art from 2024

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.

Search Page from the National Gallery of Art

Click on View tab or Collection tab.

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.

                      Cat and Kittens search result from The National Gallery of Art

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. Hope this helps.

Sources: https://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/current.html