This is a very brief breakdown of helpful information about museums. So, you know you want to visit a museum, but when and how? Where and why? If you do not have home internet, visiting your local library can give you this information; otherwise, you can use your smartphone. Please note that some museums have free admission or free entry.

Embarking on a museum visit is like stepping into a world of endless possibilities. What kind of museum do you want to explore? A historic home where the past comes alive? A comprehensive museum where you can see a little bit of everything? Or an interactive museum where you can engage with the exhibits? Museums can be on any subject and have any layout. You do not have to see everything in one day. Also, I would not personally advise visiting more than one museum on a trip, as it can be overwhelming. You will be walking around more than you expect.

The Metropolitan Museum in New York City

Encyclopedic Museum- this type of museum springs to mind when someone says the museum. Museums are primarily large institutions and offer visitors various information on local and global themes. Encyclopedic Museums are usually set up thematically and can be specialized in a unique area. For instance, The Metropolitan Museum in New York is renowned for its art collection, the Louver in Paris is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, and the Tate in London is a haven for modern art enthusiasts.

A House Museum is a type of home that can be converted into a museum for assorted reasons, most commonly because the person living in it was essential or something significant happened at that location. The house museum is often equipped with furniture, as it was when it was used. Visitors learn through guides that tell the story of the house and its inhabitants. My personal favorite is The Byran Museum in Galveston, Texas. This famous orphanage, once called the Galveston Children’s Home, survived The Great Storm of 1900.

Meow Wolf Denver Image Credit: James Neeley

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—whole rooms to explore. Think art by Yaio Kasuma. Houston and New York both have The Color Factory. It is an immersive and interactive space where the art changes every few months and is created by various artists. MeowWolf is an excellent example of interactive art as well. They have places to visit all over the USA.

Visit the websites of any of the museums mentioned above to learn more. A Google search will bring up what is near you. Check online or call about the free tours that museums offer. Not all art at a museum is interactive; touching the art is not allowed 99.9% of the time. There are other museums, but they are the most popular.

I took inspiration from museum definitions from http://www.historyofmuseums.com/museum-facts/types-of-museum/

Sources:

https://thebryanmuseum.org/galveston-orphans-home/

https://www.metmuseum.org/

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Metropolitan_Museum_of_Art_(The_Met)_-_Central_Park%2C_NYC.jpg/1200px-Metropolitan_Museum_of_Art_(The_Met)_-_Central_Park%2C_NYC.jpg?20201209112735

Meow Wolf photo of Houses by: James Neely

Types of Museums

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