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Why We Need Museums Now More Than Ever — The Importance of Museums

In today’s uncertain times, museums can act as an anchor in the storm.

To those who aren’t as passionate about the power of museums as readers of this blog, it can often seem that such institutions are merely places where forgotten objects go to enjoy their final years.

But despite this, there’s a solid case to be made that the museum is more relevant today than ever. From addressing critical social issues to transforming how we see the future, the humble museum has the power to reflect and shape our society. Here are five reasons why we need museums now more than ever.

Museums Help Us to Learn From the Past

First and foremost, museums and galleries provide an insight into humankind’s history. While no museum can claim to provide a complete picture, the lessons we can learn from past events, wonders, and tragedies are priceless.

This is especially true in times of turmoil. Today, it’s impossible to ignore the escalating tensions between nations, political parties, and different cultural groups. Instead of finding common ground, it seems that issues of class, race, gender, and environmentalism are becoming ever more polarised.

To help the public re-establish this common ground and learn to build bridges rather than breed division, many believe that museums have a role to play in giving us perspective – be it through intellectual exercises or merely holding up mistakes of the past as evidence of where such behaviour will lead us once more.

Last year, the Museum of Oxford launched its Queering Spires exhibition to celebrate the ‘hidden history’ of Oxford’s LGBTQIA+ community. Speaking at the time, co-founder of the project Richard Howlett said that Oxford has a “queer history to be proud of.”

But, Howlett went on, it’s a “history hidden in people’s attics, filing cabinets and memories. We look forward to helping bring it to life through this exhibition.”

This exhibition came at a time when it was reported that hate crimes in England and Wales doubled in just five years, with four out of five anti-LGBT+ hate crimes going unreported.

Through exhibitions like Queering Spires, museums can help individuals and groups celebrate what makes them unique, spreading the word that it’s okay to fall outside the box despite the continued intolerance of some.

Knowledge and understanding are often the best weapons in the face of hatred and ignorance. The museum has the power to showcase this.

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Museums Bring Communities Together

Museums have the power to create unity on both a social and political level and a local one. Local museums can provide a sense of community and place by celebrating a collective heritage, offering a great way to learn about the history of a particular area.

There are endless examples of local museums in the UK. One such institution is the Hove Museum and Art Gallery , located in Hove near Brighton. Housed in an Italianate Victorian villa near the seafront, this local abode was once home to a wealthy widow before housing German prisoners of war during World War II.

The home has various local historical treasures, including dolls, rocking horses, prints, paintings and sculptures. From prehistoric times to the pioneering 20th-century filmmaking in the area, this museum offers a comprehensive history of Hove.

Similarly, the Discovery Museum in Newcastle Upon Tyne celebrates the Northern Powerhouse – long before this phrase was coined in recent years. In centuries past, the region led the way in engineering, and entire communities flourished on the back of innovation. The eclectic mix of exhibits at the Discovery Museum is tactile and hands-on, encouraging visitor interaction, while the lightbulb exhibition details how Joseph Swan unveiled his invention for the first time in Newcastle.

As technology and digitalisation see us becoming increasingly globalised, institutions such as these offer a welcome reminder of the achievements and discoveries located closer to home, bringing communities together.

Museums can also bring people together in a more literal way through public events, workshops, and lectures. The British Museum , for example, works with community organisations and charities to explore, research, and respond to projects. Past projects have included working with schools, young people, creative arts partnerships, and the local LGBTQIA+ community.

Meanwhile, museums like the Museum of Street Culture in Dallas, Texas, create exhibitions to support vulnerable local people. The Museum of Street Culture recently launched a project designed to engage the public in dialogue with people experiencing homelessness, challenging stigma and increasing awareness.

Exhibits like this couldn’t come at a better time, with recent reports confirming that the levels of homelessness are actually five times higher than previously thought.

Museums Stand Firm in the Face of Adversity

Of course, taking a stand often means that a museum exposes itself to criticism from those who disagree with its exhibits. And in some cases, criticism can boil over into something much worse. For a stark example, we need only look back to 2017 and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C.

Here, tourists found a noose purposefully left at the museum – one of several hate incidents that followed the 2016 election result. In fact, the Southern Poverty Law Centre reported more than 1,300 hate incidents between November 2016 and early February 2017.

Former Director Lonnie G. Bunch III described the leaving of the noose as a sickening “symbol of extreme violence for African Americans,” one which immediately evokes Jim Crow-era lynching and white-on-black violence.

But indeed, the incident only highlights the importance of institutions like the NMAAHC. While such emotional hatred exists, it makes the need for African American stories to be told even clearer.

Museums as Hubs for Digitalisation, Innovation and Interaction

Thanks to the rise in technology over the last two decades, what it means to be a museum is being questioned and challenged. Modern tech is transforming museums from spaces of looking and learning to spaces of interaction, participation and engagement.

This is evident in major institutions worldwide, including the Detroit Institute of Arts . The museum’s Lumin AR Tour uses augmented reality to improve the educational and practical aspects of the museum experience. The tour, introduced in 2017, can be implemented on a handheld device inside the building.

When the device is pointed at certain sculptures, artefacts, or paintings, more information about them is available. Pop-up snippets, detailed descriptions, and additional photography are just a few examples of what the devices offer, increasing the average time visitors spend engaging with items inside the collection.

One of the most exciting and popular options is the ability to ‘x-ray’ an ancient mummy, allowing visitors to experience the interior and exterior of this fascinating find.

Similarly, the ArtLens Interactive Studio at the Cleveland Museum of Art contains a variety of screen-based activities that require physical movement and interaction from the viewer to operate.

Visitors can expect to enjoy virtual painting and collaging (using items found throughout the gallery’s collection), researching and learning about various featured artists and mediums using portable devices, front-camera self-portraiture, virtual pottery, and matching shapes to items in the gallery.

Examples such as these show museums’ changing faces as curators begin to think outside the box and develop more immersive, social, and collaborative ways of learning for visitors.

Advances in technology have also made museums more accessible than ever. For those who might struggle to attend an institution in person, museums and galleries increasingly share their collections online. Virtual reality, digital guides, downloads, apps and digital trails are all becoming increasingly available to anyone and everyone.

We need museums because their future is full of possibilities and opportunities, and more people than ever can access them.

Museums Educate Future Generations

Speaking of the future, museums and other cultural institutions will always have a role to play in the education of future generations. From creating exhibitions targeted towards children to teaching children in a quasi-classroom environment, institutions worldwide are doing their bit to pass down knowledge.

Back in 1990, Semper described a museum as “an educational country fair,” and this is more true today than ever. According to the American Alliance of Museums, around 80% of museums in the United States alone provide educational programmes for children and spend more than $2 billion per year on educational activities.

Museums for children have been a staple part of museum culture for decades. From Eureka in Halifax, West Yorkshire, to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum (located in London), endless institutions are designed to help children engage with and enjoy learning.

Moreover, traditional museum spaces also offer interactive exhibitions and opportunities for children. The Tate in London offers a dedicated website for children about art—Tate Kids—which allows children to play games and quizzes, watch videos about art, and be inspired to make their own creations at home. They can also share their creations with other children around the world via the site’s online gallery.

Museums are just as crucial to the future as the future is to museums. Not only can our museums bring history to life, but they can also shine a light on our present and future – a light which can be hard to find elsewhere.

MuseumNext offer online learning for museum professionals striving for engaging, relevant and flexible professional growth content. Find out about our upcoming events here.

About the author – Rebecca Carlsson

Rebecca Carlsson is a journalist writing extensively about the arts. She has a passion for modern art and when she’s not writing about museums, she can be found spending her weekends in them.

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Tips for Visiting the Science Museum in London: a Full Guide (2024)

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One of London’s most incredible museums, the Science Museum, offers the chance to explore the past and present of engineering and scientific marvels, all while allowing you to get out of the rain (or cold) and into a beautiful building in South Kensington for free.

What’s not to love, really?

In these tips for visiting the Science Museum, I’ll go over why this is one of my favorite museums in London for kids, as well as what you should be aware of being showing up and how to make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re interested in space travel, DNA, women in science, how volcanoes work or so many other topics, prepare to lose yourself in the best way possible in this iconic London museum.

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Where is the Science Museum?

The Science Museum is on Exhibition Road in the South Kensington area of London.

You might have heard of this road before, as it’s also home to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum , both just a few minute’s walk away from the Science Museum.

South Kensington is, how shall I say, posh – fancy – lovely – beautiful. All those things.

So when you show up to the Science Museum, you’ll be walking through one of the fanciest and most gorgeously designed parts of London.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to the Science Museum is by taking the tube to either Gloucester Road or South Kensington Station.

It’s a short walk from either, with signs specifically from the South Kensington Station exits as this is arguably the most popular tube station to use for the Science Museum.

There are also numerous bus stops nearby, so you can look up the bus transportation directions using a London app like Citymapper to make sure you get off at the right stop.

Science Museum London Opening Times

The Science Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Is the Science Museum Free?

While the Science Museum does have a donation area when you first walk in, it is free to enter and you do not need to worry about paying anything unless you feel compelled to support the museum (which, of course, is always a great thing!)

Science Museum Highlights: Exhibitions at the Science Museum

The Science Museum has both permanent galleries as well as ticketed exhibitions (which are an extra cost – the permanent galleries are free and there are plenty of them).

Some of the most notable permanent galleries are:

Flight : exploring the history of aviation
Information Age : from the 1st transatlantic communication to digital TVs
Science City : the history of science in London
Engineers : invention and their creators
Energy Hall
Exploring Space
Making the Modern World : 250 years of objects that have shaped our world

Science Museum Map

Looking for a map of the Science Museum ? Check it out here.

Science Museum Tours

While the Science Museum doesn’t offer regular tours, there are occasional Science Museum tours that last 30 minutes and are led by volunteers, but you need to check the schedule here (known as the “Highlights Tour”).

Science Museum with Kids

The Science Museum is hands-down one of the best museums in London with kids.

Not only are many of its exhibits already interactive and, well, more interesting for them to look at than old vases or royal collections of paintings, but the Science Museum actually has so much of its space dedicated to the kids with an interactive gallery called the Garden for ages 3-6, a multisensory area called the Pattern Pod for ages 3-8 and a WonderLab (separately ticketed) which has hands-on science experiments and interactive chances for the whole family.

Suffice it to say that the kids won’t get bored here, and with child-friendly menu options in the café plus an IMAX screen, you’re going to be able to find something to do with them no matter their interests or age.

Tips for Visiting the Science Museum

While there are many times of the year when the Science Museum has plenty of room to be a “walk-in” (in fact, I’d say – most!), if you are visiting during the peak of summer or on a weekend during school vacation (ie, Easter, winter), I would recommend booking a free ticket on their website in advance to make sure you have a slot for entry.
Arrive at opening for the best chance of experiencing the exhibits without too many people around – the later in the day, the more it fills up as parents finally get their kids out the door!
The gift shop at the Science Museum is a must-visit if you’re into math, science, or engineering. It’s got so many fun things that you can’t find in many other places and is great for doing some souvenir shopping for the science geek in your life.
For food and drink, you can either bring a packed lunch or you can enjoy a meal at one of the cafes. I really like the cafes at the Science Museum and there are lots of great options at the main cafe, known as the Energy Cafe as well as some awesome pizzas at The Diner (on the main floor).
There are regular events held at the Science Museum, whether you’re interested in climate talks, space-themed events, or even a Science Museum sleepover! Just check the schedule of events before you go to see what’s on during your visit.

Other Science Museum FAQs

While you cannot bring large items like carry-on luggage, there are lockers if you bring a backpack or small bag that you don’t want to carry around the museum with you.

The best time of the day to visit is first thing in the morning.

The Science Museum is next to the Natural History Museum and across the street from the V&A, but other attractions nearby include Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, and the Royal Albert Hall.

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

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By Beth Hawkins on 10 March 2017

Why are our museums great places for science engagement.

With awe inspiring authentic objects, cutting-edge science stories, and hands on experiences, our museums in the Science Museum Group , celebrate and connect the past, present and future of science and technology. By presenting science content in surprising and imaginative ways, our experiences expose new perspectives of science and technology to inspire all our audiences.

So what opportunities do our museums have to help inspire and engage our visitors with science? Here are just 5 of our top reasons…

1. We show the applications of science

From experiencing scientific principles first-hand in our interactive galleries, to investigating the inspiring objects in our exhibitions and galleries which have been built upon scientific concepts, visitors can see how the science learned in school is applied and has shaped the world around us.

2. We show how science is relevant and valuable for everyday life

See how science is a way of exploring the world and is integral to our lives today and in the future. By connecting the past, present and future of our modern world, our museums show how an understanding of science, technology, maths – alongside art and design have all come together to transform, and improve, our everyday lives.

3. We make links between people and science

Our museums reveal stories of passion, imagination and creativity of the people who have shaped the world we live in. Visitors can explore the social impact of science and technology through the experiences and emotions of the innovators and the users and see the breadth and diversity of the people who use science in their work and everyday lives. See that science is not just for scientists – it something everyone can be part of, whatever their interests or background.

4. We provide opportunities to use and develop skills through active participation

From asking questions, making observations to creative problem solving, a museum visit is a great opportunity to use and develop key scientific skills. Our Science Museum Group learning experiences are designed to spark curiosity and reveal the wonder of science to help people learn in different and exciting ways. Discovering new things will fuel a desire to find out more.

5. We spark conversations about science

We encourage people to talk science. We design our experiences to get visitors talking, to share their ideas and opinions about science with us and each other, in and beyond our museums. We invite our visitors to tell us their own ‘science’ stories from their lives and local communities.

By helping more people to see that museums are places where they feel welcome and can enjoy themselves, we hope will promote a lifelong connection with science and culture.

There are, of course, many more reasons why museums and science centres are amazing spaces. For some, a visit to a museum may simply be good day out, but we hope that by helping more people to recognise learning opportunities and value of a museum experiences, the memory and impact of a visit could last a lot longer.

What do you think the learning opportunities of a museum visit are? And how do we help more of our visitors to recognise these?

Portland Science Center

Benefits of Going to a Science Museum

Visiting a science museum is a highly underrated leisure activity. Everyone believes that museums are where you go to see the relics of dinosaurs and replicas of an ancient man building a fire or working with stone tools. While not exactly wrong, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Science museums offer so much more in the way of educational, fun-filled activities. And it’s not just for kids – the benefits of going to a science museum extend even to adults and professionals. If you find that hard to believe, then read on to discover five little-known benefits of paying a visit to your local science museum.

Some of the benefits of going to a science museum include being able to access a ton of educational materials, go on field trips, festivals, tours and more.

1. Access a Ton of Educational Materials

Science museums are an educational hub. At any local museum, you will find tons of education materials submitted by the museum staff as well as volunteer communities with the aim of fostering science literacy for people of all ages, level of education, and backgrounds.

Kids are especially fond of traveling trunks, a compilation of learning units made from authentic materials and plenty of hands-on lessons for them to get involved in. Other museums host discovery classes in local schools. Discovery classes are classroom-based and can be hosted by the museum or school involved. They are also a fun way to gain scientific knowledge.

2. Field Trips, Festivals, and Tours Galore

You’re probably more familiar with field trips to the local science museum because visiting in large groups usually creates opportunities for discounted rates. However, field trips aren’t the only way to experience a science museum.

Festivals give you the opportunity to explore different stations around the museums where you get a ton of hands-on activities to dig your teeth in. Festivals can either be attended by individuals or by small chaperoned groups.

Self-guided trips and learning expeditions are a great way to follow a focused course of exploration as provided by the museum. Interested in early fossil discoveries? Looking to learn more about the evolution of early man and the body ? These tours give you the freedom to explore a topic in-depth with the option of a chaperone available.

Adventure tours are as fun as they sound. Because they are chaperoned by museum instructors, you get access to a wide range of activities and exhibits around the museum.

3. Fun-Filled Summer Camps for Kids

Most people don’t know this, but many local museums have a summer camp program for kids of all ages. Summer camps have always been a great way for kids to socialize while learning new things. Museum-sponsored summer camps can have themes like fossil digging, robot building, or even navigation, which gives kids a lot of hands-on experience that can be useful in life.

4. Professional Development Courses are Available Here

If you thought science museums aren’t for you because you’re not a child, you’d be mistaken. Not only are there endless learning opportunities here, but your local science museum also offers a number of development courses for professionals.

Teacher training is one such course, whereby educators can be given a more insightful tour of the region’s culture, history, arts, and sciences. This makes them better chaperones and better educators.

5. Plenty of Hands-On Exhibits to Go Around

Perhaps the reason most of us go to museums is to get our hands on the exhibits (those were permitted to handle, at least). There’s plenty of interactive programs and hands-on exhibits to go around at any given science museum. They form part of a very involving educative experience for kids who get to learn about their surroundings, history, and culture in a way that’s easy to grasp.

Bottom Line

So, what are the benefits of going to a science museum? A few of the benefits include being able to access a ton of educational materials and resources , being able to go on field trips and more, having plenty of hands-on exhibits to explore and more.

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Curious Devices and Mighty Machines: Exploring Science Museums Samuel J. M. M. Alberti. Reaktion (2022)

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Free entry Open daily, 10.00–18.00

Science Museum Exhibition Road London SW7 2DD

Book your free admission ticket now to visit the museum. Schools and groups can book free tickets here .

Find the information you need to plan your visit—please note you will need to pre-book a free ticket .

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (aged 18+).

Please note: We're currently building new galleries in the museum so there may be some additional noise during your visit.

Opening times

The museum is open daily from 10.00–18.00 (last entry 17.15).

Galleries start to close 30 minutes before the museum closes.

Closures and holidays

Closures—please check before visiting.

Before you visit, please read the list below to check whether any of our galleries or spaces will be closed:

Energy Revolution will close at 16.00 on 19 April.
Who Am I? will close at 17.00 on 19 April.
Who Am I? will be closed between 24-26 April.
The Garden will be closed all day on Wednesday 1 May 2024.
Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery will close from 16.00 on Thursday 2 May 2024.
Wednesday 22 May 2024
Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 June 2024
Wednesday 18 September 2024
Thursday 26 and Friday 27 September 2024
Information Age will be closed all day on Tuesday 18 June 2024.
The museum will be closed all day on Tuesday 3 September 2024.

School holiday opening times

During school holidays the museum is open Monday–Sunday, 10.00-18.00 (last entry 17.15)

Getting here

The Science Museum is a short walk away from South Kensington and Gloucester Road stations which are on the Circle, District and Piccadilly lines. There are also even more bike racks available in the local area if you would like to cycle to the museum.

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD what3words: ///reveal.slime.sugar

We strongly recommend checking Transport for London before you leave, for any travel updates. Find out more about the area at Discover South Kensington .

By Underground

The nearest tube station is South Kensington. This is on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines and is a 5-minute walk from the museum.

Gloucester Road tube station is also on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines and is a 15-minute walk from the museum.

The nearest Underground station with step-free access is Earl’s Court. This is a 20–25-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the C1 or 74 bus from Earl’s Court to South Kensington Underground station, which is then a 6-minute walk to the museum.

TfL updates

Find out the latest Transport for London tube status updates

TFL's suggested walking routes to the Science Museum

Bus routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1 stop outside South Kensington Underground Station.

Bus routes 9, 10, 52, 452 and 70 stop outside the Royal Albert Hall on Kensington Gore.

There is a coach drop-off point in Exhibition Road outside the Museum. The nearest coach parks are located at Warwick Road, Bayswater Road and Park Lane.

For more information visit Transport for London’s Information for Coach Drivers page .

Transport for London Santander Cycle docking stations are available outside V&A South Kensington and the Natural History Museum on Exhibition Road (next door to the Science Museum), and on Thurloe Place near South Kensington tube station.

We do not have car parking facilities and local parking is very limited.

There is no visitor parking in Exhibition Road.

The nearest pay and display car parking is in Prince Consort Road and Queen's Gate.

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have more information about parking near the museum.

Disabled parking

A small number of disabled parking spaces are available on Exhibition Road.

Blue Badge holders may park here for four hours between 08.30 and 18.30.

The Science Museum is in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year with the exception of Christmas Day (25 December).

If driving to the museum and your vehicle doesn’t meet the ULEZ emissions standards and isn’t exempt, you will need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive within the zone.

Find out more on the Transport for London websit e.

South Kensington Walking Map

The Science Museum is the perfect stop on a day trip around South Kensington, the home of world-leading arts, culture, and science destinations.

Discover a network of quiet, scenic routes to and around the area with this new interactive map from Discover South Kensington and Footways.

Discover South Kensington

Don’t forget that the Science Museum is located in South Kensington, London’s home of science, arts and inspiration. Why not make a day of it and visit some of our neighbours? Find out more at  https://www.discoversouthken.com/ .

Please enter the Science Museum through the Main Entrance on Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD (see  Google Maps ) or what3words:  ///reveal.slime.sugar . Your arrival time slot is printed on your tickets—please try to arrive during this period. 

Museum Map

Download a map of the museum

Get foreign language and sensory versions of this map as well as maps for  Power Up  and  Wonderlab.

How long can I stay in the museum?

You are welcome to stay in the museum as long as you like, but an average visit lasts around two hours.  

Find out more about our current opening hours

School visits

Find out about school sessions and planning an educational visit to the Science Museum.

Museum staff are on hand to offer assistance and can also provide help with the lifts for groups of visitors.

Read more about access and facilities at the Museum

If you have any further questions, please see our  FAQs .

Ticket faqs

Take a look at frequently asked questions about ticketing .

Conditions of entry

Check out our conditions of entry .

If you can't find the answer to your question please contact us .

Family visit

Visitor-engaging-with-light-box-exhibit-within-Wonderlab-promo

Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery

Fuel your imagination and immerse yourself in a world of wonder at the most spectacular interactive gallery in the world.

Young girl having fun with interactives in Turn It Up.

Turn It Up: The power of music

Explore how music shapes our lives in this major interactive exhibition.

What to see and do for families

Explore all exhibitions, films activities and events at the museum suitable for families.

Family trails

Go on a journey of exploration and discovery around the Science Museum.

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Education & Learning through Science Museums

Science in the 21st century is an exciting, challenging and integral part of our culture. Science museums and centres have a vital role to play providing rich, life-long learning experiences, inspiring the next generation and enhancing scientific literacy.

There are a number of ways that we do this.

Real Things

The access that we provide to real objects, real phenomena and people coupled with our skills in science communication and learning facilitation, can lead to experiences which trigger and sustain an interest in science.

With a collection of over 300,000 objects, the Science Museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of science, engineering and maths objects which tell very human stories. From the humble light bulb through to the Apollo 10 capsule and the Pilot Ace computer, these iconic objects represent a history of ideas from across the globe and tell the stories of how science has shaped the world we live in.

The Science Museum – and science centres – provides the opportunity for visitors to actively explore science phenomena. The Science Museum’s Launchpad gallery is packed with over 50 interactive exhibits that promote open-ended exploration by children, their teachers and parents with the world of physics. The gallery is supported by highly trained staff who act as positive learning role models, helping to prompt visitors’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of science. The gallery, together with the high-energy science shows and demonstrations run within it, provide experiences of science that our visitors can’t get in the classroom or at home.

The Science Museum also provides visitors with opportunities to directly engage with scientists and engineers – breaking down perceptions of what scientists are like, and increasing understanding of the work they do. In our ‘Who Am I?’ gallery, which deals with genetics and brain science, visitors have the opportunity to take part in real science experiments and talk to the researchers about their work. Taking part in these experiments help visitors to gain an insight into the scientific process, while researchers gain from being able to collect data from a much broader section of the public than they would normally. This was shown in a recent project conducted by Great Ormond Street Hospital – where visitors volunteered to have their photograph taken with a 3D camera, providing the researchers with valuable data to increase their knowledge in order to improve facial reconstruction surgery. In total over 12,800 visitors contributed to the database – and had an informative learning experience whilst doing so.

The past, present and future

The stories we showcase at the Science Museum aren’t just about the past. They are also about the present and the future. Not only can engaging with a history of science help our visitors understand the science we have today, for our visitors science is about the present and the future. The Science Museum is a place where visitors can access the very latest scientific thinking and technological innovation. Over the past year the museum has showcased exhibits ranging from the cutting-edge rescue capsule that saved the Chilean miners in 2010 through to the world’s first complete Bionic Man. Later this year, the Museum will tackle particle physics with an exhibition about the Large Hadron Collider.

As Osborne (2007) highlights, contemporary scientific and technological advances can pose difficult political and ethical dilemmas and resolving these issues needs both a knowledgeable and a critical disposition to engage in public debate. The Science Museum can help people make sense of the latest scientific developments through thought-provoking exhibitions, events and talks aimed at families, education groups and adults.

For example, exhibitions such as our award-winning ‘Atmosphere…exploring climate science’ gallery engage large numbers of the public with important and challenging areas of science. In its first 12 months, over 737,000 visitors came to this gallery despite research beforehand showing that people found climate science difficult, dull and overwhelming. In this contemporary science gallery, the Museum helps people make sense of the science that shapes their lives by providing access to the scientific evidence, real objects used by scientists and engineers, and interactive exhibits where visitors can actively engage with the underlying science fundamentals. This gallery has helped our visitors to understand areas such as the carbon cycle, the role of greenhouse gases and geoengineering– empowering them to make up their own minds and giving them the confidence to join in the dialogue.

Intergenerational Learning

Academic research shows that attitudes of young people towards science are not just shaped by school but are also influenced by their families. Museums provide wonderful spaces for families to engage together. As well as being the most visited museum by booked education groups, the Science Museum welcomes over 1 ½ million family visitors each year. We are able to create inspiring, memorable and shared learning experiences promoting discussion between intergenerational groups.

A project launched this year by the Science Museum – Building Bridges, aims to bring together the different learning contexts of young people in order to raise students’ science literacy and engagement with STEM subjects. Building Bridges is a three year project involving work with teachers, students and their families. Science Museum staff visit schools and bring teachers and students into the museum to work directly with scientists and the museum’s collections. At the end of the year, participating students, together with their families and friends are invited to the museum to celebrate their work.

Inspiring young people

Despite a rich scientific heritage, in 2013 there remains a shortfall of scientists, engineers and mathematicians in the UK and a recent study by the Royal Academy of Engineering indicates that currently demand for engineers outstrips supply and is likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future, and there is still a lower uptake of science and engineering careers amongst women and amongst those from more socio-economically deprived backgrounds.

Why is this? Recent research by Kings College London in their ASPIRES project indicates that a young person’s attitude towards science as a career is influenced by social background and family attitudes, and they cannot imagine themselves in science based careers. Another issue is that many young people have a very limited understanding of the career fields available beyond the traditional occupations of say science teacher or doctor. Therefore, there is a growing need to broaden horizons and help introduce young people to the incredible range of careers that science and maths can lead to – from pure research through to games design.

Organisations such as the Science Museum can help open young people’s minds to the wealth of opportunities within the world of science. We can do this through our contemporary science programme, through our live research, through our on-the-floor staff and through exhibitions and events that tackle subjects that fall outside of the curriculum. We can also play a role in keeping young people engaged with science at key points when engagement is likely to wane or attitudes towards science crystalise.

However, learning about science shouldn’t be limited to those studying it or seeking related careers. Science and technology underpin our whole quality of life and the nation’s future prosperity so there is a greater need than ever before to spread ‘science literacy’ across the population at large.

Lifelong engagement

The joy of visiting a museum or science centre is that they are open to everyone – you don’t have to be a child or be in formal education to have an enjoyable learning experience. The Science Museum welcomes 1 million adult visitors per year and the success of our monthly Lates evenings reflects the growing popularity of science among the 18-35 age group.

Science museums and centres provide lifelong engagement by providing access to to real things – objects, phenomena and people; through creating shared, engaging and memorable learning experiences for families and adults. They also provide experiences that benefit teachers and complement school science lessons.

As well as being enjoyable places to visit, Science museums and centres provide opportunities to deepen understanding and join in some of the biggest debates happening in science today.

Reference: Osborne, J. 2007. ‘Science Education for the Twenty First Century’. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 2007, 3(3), 173-184

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Science News

How science museums reinvented themselves to survive the pandemic.

During lockdown, institutions untethered their programs from their buildings with some creative results

a kid in a clean room suit wearing gloves a mask and head covering playing with lego blocks

Space Center Houston had a clever idea for keeping children safe in a pandemic: Suit them up for a NASA “clean room” camp.

Space Center Houston

Hasty pivot

When museums initially closed last year, most administrators thought the disruption would last only a few months. In those early days and weeks, the institutions shifted into crisis response mode, scrambling to create some kind of public programming. “Within a couple of weeks, we were spinning up what now we would call ‘minimum viable products,’ ” says Tim Ritchie, president of the Museum of Science in Boston. Staff members who typically spent their days giving face-to-face presentations inside the museum on topics from reptiles to space started delivering those talks over Zoom. “It was not that great at first,” Ritchie admits. “But people were hungry [for it], and they tuned in.”

Many institutions did the same, making some of their traditional exhibits and programs virtual. By the end of March 2020, the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco had turned its program called NightLife — a regular Thursday night event that charged from $10 to $20 for admission to the museum for science, music and cocktails — into a free weekly online program called NightSchool .

The Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland converted its in-person demos into Curiosity Corner LIVE! This daily YouTube broadcast included science demonstrations and activities — such as building catapults and lava lamps — for kids and families to do at home.

Seattle’s Pacific Science Center filmed the live science shows that it typically staged in person and shot a series of behind-the-scenes videos , featuring Senora the tarantula, Rigatoni the western hognose snake and other animals in its collection. “We recorded everything that we could, as quickly as we could,” says Zeta Strickland, the center’s director of preK–12 engagement. The center’s most popular live science show, Combustion , has had more than 6,500 views on YouTube.

a screen capture from a video about Combustion

Museums also used their science communication expertise to address the pandemic itself. There was an “immediate and urgent recognition that this crisis was fundamentally a crisis of science engagement,” says the ASTC’s Nelson.

Shannon Bennett, a virologist who happens to be the California Academy of Science’s chief of science, fielded online questions about COVID-19 , while the Pacific Science Center designed an online landing page for pandemic-related information . The page includes a pandemic glossary, a vaccine explainer and a guide to identifying misinformation. The website also offers a curated collection of news articles and links to trusted sources, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “There was so much misinformation and disinformation out there, so we really wanted to be a resource where people can find accurate information,” says Danielle Cobb, marketing communications manager for the Pacific Science Center.

Some museums stepped up to meet more basic community needs. The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., had started running a weekly summer farmers market in its pavilion in 2017. When the pandemic hit, local schools, which offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, shut down. “There was a huge focus on how do you get food to kids that they would otherwise get through the school,” says Lara Litchfield-Kimber, the museum’s executive director. “What we realized is that in our city, we had an essential business.”

a photo of people at a farmer's market, everyone is wearing face masks

The museum rallied its vendors and opened the market, which accepts food stamps, in May, a month before its typical start. The market became a hub of activity, and museum staff worked with city officials to distribute flyers, in English and in Spanish, about COVID-19. (The museum is exploring the possibility of hosting a year-round market.) “The museums that are … maintaining their strength are those that recognize how to leverage their assets to address the urgent needs of their community,” Litchfield-Kimber says.

On the other side of the country, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland started offering child care for 20 to 30 children of essential workers. “We have the training. We have the certifications. We have the people. We have the stuff to have kids in the museum — that’s just what we do,” says John Farmer, the museum’s former marketing and communications manager.

a photo of a man holding a crested gecko up to the viewer

In the fall, the museum converted the child care program into Homeroom, offering a place where children who were enrolled in remote school could spend their days. The museum prioritized families in need, Farmer says, and offered financial aid for the program, which has enrolled more than 100 students over the last year. San Diego’s Fleet Science Center organized similar distance learning hubs so children could go to the center and connect to their remote classrooms.

Many museums also put together resources for schools that had shifted to remote teaching. The California Academy of Sciences reformatted its planetarium films for YouTube so teachers could show films like Expedition Reef and Fragile Planet to their students. The center also offers free distance learning livestreams , in English and in Spanish, for students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

The New York Hall of Science in Queens began offering virtual science workshops to schools: A museum educator leads an entire class of kids through an hour of activities and demonstrations on topics ranging from optical illusions to the science of sports. The workshops, which cost $150 for a group, sell out months in advance. “What teachers want is a bit of relief,” says Margaret Honey, president and CEO of the New York Hall of Science. “They really gravitate toward the experiences.”

a screen capture of a virtual exhibit by the Museum of Science in Boston

Pushing the envelope

As the pandemic dragged on, museums started to think longer term. They got more ambitious and creative. “We decided to get better at being digital,” Ritchie says.

Last summer, Boston’s Museum of Science created Ask a Virtual Expert , an experience powered by artificial intelligence featuring Ashish Jha, dean of the School of Public Health at Brown University in Providence, R.I. Museum staff filmed Jha as he answered more than 500 questions on COVID-19 and then turned the footage into an interactive exhibit. Members of the public can pose questions about the pandemic directly to a digital version of Jha, and he responds.

The Smithsonian, which began 3-D scanning some of its artifacts years ago, used the time that its doors were closed to improve its digital 3-D offerings . On its website, for instance, visitors can peruse or download free, 3-D scans of everything from the Apollo 11 command module to a complete woolly mammoth skeleton. In December, the institution announced a partnership with Instagram that allows users of the photo sharing app to display virtual versions of famous Smithsonian artifacts in their own personal spaces. “You can drop the space shuttle Discovery in your backyard and have your family standing next to it and have a screenshot and share it on Twitter,” says Vincent Rossi, supervisor of the 3-D program for the Smithsonian’s Digitization Program Office.

Science museums used down time during the pandemic to invest in new technologies, like augmented reality. Instagram users can display a 3-D version of Smithsonian holdings, like this mammoth , in their living room.

Other museums found clever ways to create in-person experiences that were COVID-19 safe. Science Gallery Dublin, located on the campus of Trinity College Dublin, took advantage of the glass facade on one side of its building, installing five pandemic-related exhibits just inside the glass. Passersby could peer into the windows and see a cluster of Lego figures arranged to demonstrate the concept of herd immunity or a sensor-laden, 3-D printed dress with a skirt that spreads out to enforce social distancing.

Called “ Speed of Science ,” the exhibition was produced in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, which had collaborated with the gallery on a pop-up exhibit in 2019 . The exhibit’s online hub, which includes a podcast on vaccination and vaccine development, has had nearly 5,000 visits.

Last summer, Space Center Houston offered “clean room” camps , which simulated the experience of working in one of the NASA facilities dedicated to ensuring that the objects the agency launches into space are free of potential contaminants. Upon arrival at camp, kids donned gowns, gloves, masks, caps and shoe coverings. “Basically, we shrink-wrap the kids,” says William Harris, the center’s president and CEO. “It’s just like they’re in a clean room at NASA.” The camps were so popular that the center offered them again over the Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks.

kids wearing protective gear in a cleanroom

Meanwhile, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum used its closure in 2020 to begin a long-planned transition to becoming a more hands-on science center. To jump-start its science programming while the building was closed, the museum bought a van and partnered with NASA to turn it into a mobile, pop-up museum for outdoor, space-related demonstrations and activities.

Expanded reach

As difficult as the pandemic has been, it’s also given science museums an opportunity to make long-needed changes and pursue long-standing goals. Even before COVID-19 emerged, the Center of Science and Industry, or COSI, in Columbus, Ohio, had been wanting to find new ways to get out into the community. “Yes, we want to sell tickets to our building,” says Frederic Bertley, COSI’s president and CEO. “But we have to be more than that.”

a kid wearing a purple shirt working on a science project

When COSI closed in March 2020, its staff rolled out an assortment of digital offerings — and launched a TV show — but the team also wanted to re-create the hands-on, tactile experiences that have long been the cornerstone of science museums. The solution was an assortment of COSI Connects kits .

Each kit has five hands-on activities for kids that revolve around a theme: nature, water, space, dinosaurs or the human body. The kits can be purchased online, and COSI distributes them for free through food banks, Boys & Girls Clubs, homeless shelters and other organizations. The museum is in discussions to distribute them through school districts in Ohio and several other states.

“We weren’t trying to make money off of this,” Bertley says. “We were trying to make sure that COSI was still relevant, that a state-of-the-art science museum still had a fundamental role in society, even though we were closed.” COSI plans to continue offering the kits when the building reopens in early June. “This is how we can have a beyond-Ohio impact,” Bertley says.

Indeed, museums are discovering that untethering their programs from their physical buildings has expanded their reach. At the California Academy of Sciences, a pre-pandemic, in-person NightLife event typically attracted roughly 1,700 people. NightSchool, the virtual version, averages more than 10,000 views per installment. These events are free; they don’t bring in money. But, says senior digital engagement and community manager Laurel Allen, “we’ve been able to build bigger communities.”

Although the academy initially thought of its online events as a stopgap measure, it has decided to continue them in some form now that the museum has reopened. The majority of viewers are outside the Bay Area and are unlikely to make regular in-person visits.

An immersive virtual tour created by the National Museum of Computing in Milton Keynes, England, last summer has attracted more than 140,000 visitors from the United Kingdom, United States, India and Brazil. “I don’t think we ever took for granted the audience reach that we had,” says Jacqui Garrad, the museum’s director. “But I do think that we maybe didn’t try hard enough to engage some of the outside communities.”

Some museums have invested in accessibility, overhauling websites to be more friendly to visitors who are blind or have low vision and offering digital programs specifically for visitors who are deaf and hard of hearing. Others have increased their free offerings and resources for low-income families and other underserved communities. The Museum of Science in Boston launched MOS en Español , an online hub for programming in Spanish.

Of course, the pandemic — and the threat to museums’ basic business model — is not over yet. “I don’t think we’re by any means out of the woods,” ASTC’s Nelson says. Museums were “great at cutting costs,” he adds. “But they’re now at the bare minimum.”

In a June 2020 survey of 750 museum directors, one-third reported that their institutions were at “significant risk” of closing permanently. So far, the ASTC is aware of just one permanent closure among science museums: the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum in Champaign, Ill. And while some museums have reopened, visitors have been slow to return; attendance is about half pre-pandemic levels, according to ASTC’s ongoing attendance survey.

Soon after the pandemic hit, ASTC lobbied the federal government to include museums in relief efforts and pulled together online resources to help its members navigate new financial and operational realities. In the first round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program, nearly 300 of ASTC’s members received loans totaling more than $180 million.

When museums close, it’s a huge loss for their communities, Nelson says. “Museums really serve as a critical part of their communities’ economic, cultural and learning ecosystems.”

But the museums that survive may emerge more nimble and resilient — and able to serve the public in new and urgent ways. “We need to double down on this idea of wanting to respond at all times to what the community needs,” says Steven Snyder, president and CEO of San Diego’s Fleet Science Center. “It’s also a proof of concept that we’re not locked to our building. Science centers never have been.”

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Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota makes learning fun through their interactive exhibits and stunning Omnitheater. They promote hands-on learning in a way that’s accessible and exciting. Don’t just read about how things work. Explore, see and feel science in action.

The Science Museum currently has a 10,000-square foot temporary exhibit gallery, a number of permanent galleries and an Imax Convertible Dome Omnitheater. Some of their permanent exhibits include Dinosaurs & Fossils, The Human Body, Native American Exhibition, and RACE: Are We So Different? Another fun exhibit, Sportsology , examines what allows athletes to move, jump and throw in order to make the basket, score the goal or be the first to cross the finish line. Sportsology encourages learning through participation. Challenge yourself to a virtual race, attempt the perfect baseball swing or practice creating a balanced meal. Get in on the action while learning about physiology, anatomy and nutrition.

Also be sure to check out the Omnitheater , their phenomenal 90-foot dome screen displaying all sorts of films about animals, space and natural wonders to name a few. January-March is the popular film fest, Ominfest, which features their five most popular films of the previous year. The line-up of films has something for all ages and interests.

On the first Sunday of the month, the Science Museum hosts Sensory Friendly Sunday , where visitors who learn best in a calmer environment can experience a lights-up, sound-down Omnitheater show at 10 a.m. Check out their upcoming events so you never miss out on events like these!

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5 benefits of science museums

When we travel as a family, one of the things that is always high on our itinerary are local science museums and nature centers. These local venues provide an intimate look at the natural world and ecosystems of the region. The perfect way to familiarize ourselves with the natural history and wildlife of the local area.

Science Museums & Nature Centers

First to mind are typically our National Parks and large-scale science museums like the Smithsonian, OMSI (in Portland, Oregon), or the Exploratorium (San Fransisco). The smaller museums are often overlooked for the educational opportunities they provide because they don’t have the advertising budget of larger venues. I want to encourage you to seek out these small, local museums and science centers.

Today, I highlight five benefits of local science museums. Best of all – I’m giving away one free family pass to The Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California.

Hands-on Exhibits

You are likely already familiar with the hands-on exhibits, IMAX and planetarium shows that explore the wonders of science and the universe that are provided by science museums around the country. However, science museums provide so much more!

The mission of museums today is to stimulate curiosity, creativity and learning through fun, interactive exhibits and programs for children, families and school groups. Whether your visit is a family outing or a part of a school experience, the hands-on exhibits are the keystone of the museum.

Field Trips

The learning opportunities at science museums include field trips and school programs. Often, entrance fees are significantly reduced if visiting the museum in a large group. Consider coordinating an outing for your local homeschool community.

Perhaps your local science museum offers in-house classes or educational experiences with a trained volunteer or staff member? Reach out to your local museum education staff and inquire about their field trip programs. If they do not have programs in place, they may be happy to customize options to fit the needs of your class or school.

Adventure Tours :: Museum instructors and volunteers guide students through activities at the museum using the exhibits, grounds and classrooms.

Festivals :: Multiple stations are set up in and around the museum featuring hands-on activities and opportunities for learning. Students and chaperones explore in small groups.

Self-Guided Field Trips :: Some museums offer a self-guided field trip whereupon school groups pay a reduced admission rate and teachers and chaperones are admitted free.

Self-Guided Learning Expeditions :: Many museums offer materials which provide a focused course of exploration during your museum field trip. Developed with local teachers, each includes pre-visit activities which are built upon during the field trip and completed through post-visit activities in the classroom.

At larger museums often the education programs meet the Next Generation Science Standards as well as the Common Core Standards for Literacy and Math.

Staff and volunteers of science museums often collaborate to develop education materials and public outreach for their visitors. These materials are often available online with the goal of increasing science literacy across the full spectrum of education, both in the classroom and in daily life, for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Discovery Classes :: Some museums offer classroom based programs that can either be held at the museum or at your school.

Traveling Trunks :: Traveling trunks are a great way to extend the learning experience and bring it back to the classroom. These curriculum-based learning units are designed to enliven classroom learning through authentic materials and hands-on lessons.

Look for ways you can expand upon what was learned at the museum by visiting local historic sites as I shared in my earlier post, Bonanza! Gold Rush Experiences .

Professional Development

Many science museums offer a range of professional development courses and workshops designed to strengthen teacher expertise and integrate hands-on science activities into the classroom. Many also offer formal classes and labs for students of all ages, professional development support for science teachers, and a broad range of formal and informal learning opportunities for visitors.

Teacher Training :: A variety of training programs are offered throughout the year for educators of grades kindergarten through 12. The sessions are designed to help teachers gain a deeper understanding of the region’s arts, culture, history and natural sciences.

Summer Camps

If you’ve been to camp, I’m sure you can list off numerous benefits of summer camp. But if you didn’t go to camp as a child, you may not realize just how good the experience is for children. Unplugging from devices, spending their day outdoors being physically active, making new friends, developing life skills, and growing more independent are just a few of the positives.

There are a multitude of summer camps sure to captivate kids of every interest—and your secret desire to enhance their education—from digging for fossils to programming robots, learning how to sail a boat or navigate across varied terrain with only a compass and a topographical map.

Here are just a few examples of camps available at science museums in California and Oregon:

Lawrence Hall of Science :: Lawrence Hall of Science camps are a great place to spend the summer. Where else can you build a wobbling robot, see how a chinchilla takes a bath, and visit the stars? Campers get inspired to explore, build, and create with new friends and cool tools!

OMSI :: Did you know Olympian swim suits were modeled after a shark’s skin? Look at nature differently as you build bio-mimicry challenges around a coastal campfire. OR …Try your hand at everything from archaeology to web design this summer with brand new tech-based classes and junior overnight adventures.

High Desert Museum :: Offering a wide range of summer camps exploring animal science, astronomy, geology, and photography through fun and interactive activities and hands-on experiments.

Mother of 3

June 8, 2016 at 4:44 pm

We love science an nature museums; we tend to check them out in various states as we go on vacation too.

Comments are closed.

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The Benefits of Visiting a Museum

Nina Relf 21 May 2021 min Read

François Biard, Four Hours At The Salon, 1847, Louvre, Paris, France.

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During the protracted coronavirus lockdown, when all the art we see is digital , we can reflect on that which we took for granted before. There are so many benefits to visiting a museum. But what is it that makes us visit museums over and over again?

Benefits of Visiting a Museum: Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

It is hard to imagine the corridors of some of the most popular museums around the world as completely empty. Free of the crowds that would normally surround The Mona Lisa , it becomes eerie to picture the Louvre Museum with nobody in sight. The world’s most famous portrait with no one looking back at her. The time of visiting museums seems so long ago. Yet back then, we probably took for granted just how easy it was to go and see artworks. Since digital access is the only way to access them currently, we can reflect on the benefits of visiting a museum and seeing artworks in person. Whilst we wait until we are able to visit museums again, you can access a list of the best museums to visit virtually .

1. Getting up close and personal with the artworks

Benefits of Visiting a Museum: Claude Monet's Les Nymphéas at Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris, France.

In this time of self-isolation, it is easy to feel distanced from all things art-related. We begin to miss the brightness of colors and seeing the painted brushstrokes in front of our eyes. You get a special feeling inside when you see the real artwork for the first time. The anticipation of what it will look like in real life is met with sheer excitement. In the case of some installation works, we are even allowed to touch and interact with the artworks. In the recent exhibition Anthony Gormley at the Royal Academy in London, the visitors were allowed to step over, under and through huge circles of metal wire.

As a whole experience, it feels exclusive and new. The opportunity to see the real thing often defies all our expectations from the static, two-dimensional images that we have seen online. But now, these online images are all we have.

2. Mindfulness from visiting a museum

Benefits of Visiting a Museum: Raphael's frescoes at Villa Farnesina, Rome, Italy.

If you have ever experienced being alone in a gallery room with a work of art, you will know that it is a feeling that is hard to replicate. You feel like you have been taken to a different world, that you have travelled back in time. You are standing before the artist’s masterpiece as if it has just been created. When you start looking at every tiny detail, there is so much to see, almost too much. You could spend hours in front of just a single artwork.

3. Visiting a museum for that perfect Instagram shot

We have all been guilty of this at least once. We live in an era where it has become the norm to constantly post images of where we are and what we are doing. If you did not put that picture of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers on Instagram, did you even go the National Gallery?

Of course, this has a huge benefit. The ability to scroll through Instagram and see artworks from all over the world, in high definition and all in one place, is incredible. It is a huge advantage to all of us who love art, who are currently unable to visit museums. It is difficult to imagine a time when this was not available. Social media allows us to access so much art at just the touch of our fingertips. But all of our Instagram feeds are missing those aesthetically pleasing gallery shots at the moment. Maybe the time has come to scroll back to a few months ago on our camera roll. Dig out an old photo and do a throwback post to something that we never uploaded before. We have got to perfect our Instagram profiles and update our followers, after all!

To view some perfect shots of artworks from museums across the world, you can access a list of the best museum accounts to follow on Pinterest .

4. A once-in-a-lifetime exhibition is worth visiting a museum for

Benefits of Visiting a Museum: Anthony Gormley's exhibit at The Royal Academy, London, UK.

Exhibitions are what draw a huge number of people to galleries every year. Unfortunately, some incredible exhibitions have been disrupted by the closure of museums due to the coronavirus outbreak. Titian: Love, Art and Desire at the National Gallery in London opened for just three days before it had to be closed due to the lockdown. For the first time in four centuries, the six paintings created as a series for Prince Phillip of Spain had been displayed together from galleries across the world.

Also at The National Gallery, Artemisia was planned to open this month – an exhibition dedicated to the female artist Artemisia Gentileschi. The exhibition was postponed because a lot of the artworks had to be sent from Italy and America to England, something that became impossible in light of the global situation. The chance to see an exhibition that is normally only open for a short period of time is what inspires so many people to visit museums. It is something that you would not want to miss, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

5. Visiting the gift shop of dreams

Benefits of Visiting a Museum: Kara Walker's Fons Americanus at the Tate Modern, London, UK.

Art history books galore, postcards, magnets, prints, posters, even Picasso earrings: they have it all. It becomes part of the experience, the opportunity to take a tiny bit of the gallery home with you. A chance to recreate the gallery in your own home, in the form of a poster or a small postcard for your pin-board. Perhaps one of the best gift shops is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It is filled with the most beautiful textile patterns, scarves, tote bags, notebooks, and more. Another amazing example is the huge gift shop under the pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Many museums have their own online shops which you can still visit if you do not want to miss out on this shopping experience whilst in lockdown.

These are just some of the benefits of visiting a museum. Whether you want to explore a new city or see a particular artwork that never gets boring regardless of how many times you have seen it, museums have so much to offer. The chance to be in the presence of some of the most renowned artworks is something we take for granted. The lockdown has made us miss this physical contact with works of art and the contemplative experience that comes with it. But perhaps, when museums do reopen, we will enjoy the experience even more than we did before. The next time we are at a museum, maybe we will just stop for a moment and appreciate how much our minds can be transformed by looking at art.

Royal Academy of Arts
Villa Farnesina

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I am 22 years old, living near London and an aspiring Curator. I have just graduated from The Courtauld Institute of Art with a Masters degree in the History of Art, and I am a lover of painting, feminist art criticism and reading!

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Why Are Museums Important? (25 Reasons)

Have you ever stood in front of a mysterious ancient artifact, stunned by the stories it might hold, or wandered through the halls of a grand museum, captivated by the countless tales of human history and creativity?

A visit to a museum can inspire a child, ignite a passion in a teenager, or offer fresh perspectives to an adult. The dusty fossils, the ancient pottery, the exquisite paintings, the space capsules—each piece tells a story, sparks a curiosity and prompts questions about who we are and where we come from.

In every corner and each display, there’s a tale to be told, a wonder to behold, and a mystery to unravel. Step into a museum, and step into a world of discovery!

Table of Contents

Different Types of Museums

Famous museums in the world, cultural significance of museums, museums as centers for research, museums as social spaces, museums’ role in tourism, the role of museums in conservation, museums as memory institutions, digital and interactive museums: the future, museums and well-being, museums and their role in national identity, frequently asked questions, art museums.

Art museums, often called art galleries, are the vibrant repositories of human creativity. They house and exhibit works of art from various periods, cultures, and genres, providing a visual narrative of human history and emotions.

You’ll find collections of paintings, sculptures, and other forms of visual art in these museums. As a visitor, you can appreciate the artists’ techniques and understand their work’s social and historical context.

History Museums

History museums are time capsules, preserving the relics of the past and presenting them in a way that educates, entertains, and evokes reflection. These museums cover a broad spectrum, from ancient civilizations to recent history.

These museums play a vital role in preserving our heritage, fostering a sense of identity, and offering lessons from the past to guide our future. The British Museum, for instance, houses a vast collection of world art and artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at human history.

Science Museums

Science museums engage you in hands-on learning experiences about the world around you. They often focus on scientific principles and discoveries, such as the laws of physics or advancements in robotics.

Science museums promote scientific literacy and nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for discovery.

Natural History Museums

Natural history museums are gateways to the natural world, featuring collections related to botany, zoology, geology, paleontology, and more. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the biodiversity of our planet and the intricate web of life.

These museums are dedicated to exploring the natural world, including plant and animal species, fossils, rocks, and minerals. You’ll often find displays of dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, and taxidermy specimens.

Visiting a natural history museum, you can appreciate the diversity and evolution of life on Earth.

Children’s Museums

Children’s museums provide interactive and engaging educational experiences for young visitors. These museums nurture curiosity and creativity while teaching children about various subjects, from art to science to history. Many local museums have special areas or programs for children to explore.

Virtual Museums

Virtual museums take the museum experience online, offering digital exhibits and interactive experiences that can be accessed anywhere in the world. They cover a wide range of subjects, offering immersive 3D tours, high-resolution images of artifacts, and online educational resources.

Virtual museums have gained prominence in recent years, democratizing access to culture and knowledge. They are particularly beneficial for those who may not have the opportunity to visit physical museums due to geographical or physical limitations.

1. Louvre Museum, France

Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Louvre Museum is a testament to over 800 years of art and history. The iconic Louvre is home to 35,000 works of art, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa and the timeless Venus de Milo .

The Louvre is more than just a museum; it’s a cultural phenomenon that represents the European tradition of fine art and attracts millions of art enthusiasts every year.

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art, United States

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, fondly known as the Met , is a beacon of art and culture in New York City. Housing over two million works, it offers a comprehensive insight into global art history.

The Met’s vast collections traverse time and geography, spanning 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world, making it a veritable melting pot of creativity.

3. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), United States

The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA , is a powerhouse of contemporary and modern art. Located in the bustling heart of New York City, MoMA is famed for its exceptional collections of modernist art, photography, design, and film.

It is at MoMA that you can marvel at Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” or Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” and witness the creative visions that have shaped our modern world.

If you’re planning a visit, remember that Friday evenings offer free entry, making it the perfect time to immerse yourself in modern and contemporary art.

4. Prado Museum, Spain

Madrid’s Prado Museum is one of the greatest repositories of European art. Housing an impressive collection of Spanish masterpieces by artists like Velázquez and Goya , the Prado offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of Spanish art and culture.

It is a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of Spain’s artistic heritage.

5. State Hermitage Museum, Russia

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is a colossal display of art and culture, boasting over three million items. The Hermitage offers a panoramic view of human creativity, from prehistoric art pieces to post-impressionist masterpieces.

1. Acropolis Museum, Greece

The Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, is dedicated to preserving the artifacts found on the Acropolis, a sacred hill that is home to numerous historical remains. As you visit, you will marvel at the impressive collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and artifacts that date back to the Greek Bronze Age.

A prime example includes the Parthenon sculptures that are essential to ancient Greek art. While exploring the exhibits, you can uncover the fascinating history of the Acropolis and its significance to ancient Greek culture.

2. Egyptian Museum, Egypt

The Egyptian Museum, located in Cairo, Egypt, houses an extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, making it one of the most important museums of its kind. As you explore, you will come across an abundance of relics, such as the treasures of Tutankhamun , mummies , and hieroglyphic relics .

3. National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico

When you visit the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, you will be captivated by the diverse and vast collection of artifacts from various pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations .

The museum showcases the history and culture of Mexico’s indigenous peoples through its displays of pottery , sculptures , and intricate jewelry. Highlights include the iconic Stone of the Sun and the reconstruction of the Aztec temple, Templo Mayor .

4. National Museum of China, China

The National Museum of China in Beijing preserves some of the most important artifacts from China’s vast history. As you walk through the spaces, you will find exhibits dedicated to Chinese art, such as porcelain , jade , and bronze items .

Additionally, there are sections dedicated to the significant events and historical figures in China’s history. This museum offers an immersive experience to gain a deeper understanding of China’s rich cultural heritage.

5. Museum of the History of the Polish Jews, Poland

At the Museum of the History of the Polish Jews in Warsaw, you will encounter an inspiring journey through the history of Jewish life in Poland . The museum utilizes multimedia exhibits, informative displays, and immersive experiences to convey this essential aspect of Polish history.

As you walk through the exhibits, you will learn about the vibrant Jewish communities that existed in Poland for over a thousand years and how they contributed to the nation’s culture and history.

1. Deutsches Museum, Germany

In the heart of Munich, the Deutsches Museum is the world’s largest science and technology museum. This mammoth institution houses an extensive collection, including everything from the earliest computers to the mysteries of quantum physics .

Deutsches Museum is a place where visitors can trace the path of human innovation, marveling at the genius and inventiveness that have propelled us into the modern era.

2. Science Museum, United Kingdom

Located in London, the Science Museum offers you a chance to immerse yourself in the history of scientific, technological, and medical advancements. The museum houses various exciting exhibits, such as the Apollo 10 command module and Stephenson’s Rocket , the world’s first steam-powered passenger train.

You might find the “Who Am I?” exhibit particularly engaging, as it delves into genetics and human identity. Remember to check their website for updates on special exhibitions when planning your trip.

3. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai, China

Stepping into the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is like stepping into the future. It’s a mesmerizing blend of cutting-edge technology and scientific discovery.

The museum’s exhibits are dedicated to themes like “World of Robots,” “Spectrum of Life,” and “Earth Exploration,” among others. This museum takes you on an exhilarating journey through the frontiers of science, making it a must-visit for science enthusiasts of all ages.

1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, United States

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, located in Washington D.C., is a world leader in its field. From colossal dinosaur skeletons to glittering gemstones, it houses an astonishing array of natural wonders.

Its exhibits, spanning millions of years, ignite curiosity about the natural world and our place within it, demonstrating the importance of biodiversity and conservation.

2. American Museum of Natural History, United States

Situated in New York City, the American Museum of Natural History is another titan among science museums. Famous for its dioramas of animal life , a vast collection of fossils , and the Hayden Planetarium , it offers a journey through space and time.

With an enormous collection of over 33 million specimens, you’ll be able to learn about dinosaurs, marine life, minerals, and more. One of the most iconic displays in the museum is the Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton .

1. Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, United States

Touted as the world’s largest children’s museum , the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must-visit destination for kids and adults alike.

With five floors of interactive exhibits, the museum is a treasure trove of knowledge, promoting hands-on learning across diverse fields like science, history, and culture. From a life-size dinosaur exhibit to an immersive space mission experience, this museum truly offers a world of wonder for children.

2. Boston Children’s Museum, United States

The Boston Children’s Museum is one of the world’s most influential children’s museums . With its focus on early childhood development, the museum offers a rich array of exhibits and programs that stimulate creativity, curiosity, and learning.

Whether it’s climbing the three-story New Balance Climb or exploring the Japanese House , a 100-year-old silk merchant’s home, children are encouraged to learn by doing.

3. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, United Kingdom

Situated in Halifax, Eureka! The National Children’s Museum offers an interactive educational experience unlike any other. Featuring over 400 exhibits, children can explore everything from the human body to the mysteries of sound and light. The museum’s unique approach to learning encourages children to understand the world around them through play, exploration, and discovery.

4. Museo Pambata, Philippines

Museo Pambata, or the Children’s Museum in Manila, Philippines, is a dream come true for kids who love to learn. The museum’s interactive exhibits are designed to stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity while teaching them about Filipino culture, history, and the environment.

With its philosophy of “learning through playing,” Museo Pambata delivers an experience that both educates and entertains.

5. NEMO Science Museum, Netherlands

Perched like a ship in the heart of Amsterdam, the NEMO Science Museum is a beacon of knowledge. This museum brings science and technology to life through fun, interactive exhibits that cover everything from DNA and the human brain to the principles of physics and engineering.

At NEMO, children are not just visitors—they become scientists, engineers, and inventors, discovering the wonders of the world one experiment at a time.

Preserving Heritage and Traditions

Museums are the guardians of our past. They preserve priceless artifacts, documents, and stories that provide us with a tangible connection to the generations before us. They are responsible for conserving, studying, and sharing valuable artifacts and artworks that give a complete picture of human history.

Imagine experiencing the majestic aura of a dinosaur fossil, the evocative poise of an ancient Greek statue, or the intricate designs of a centuries-old manuscript. Without museums, these irreplaceable pieces of our history could easily be lost to time.

Museums preserve not just objects but the very essence of our heritage and traditions. They provide a safe haven for cultural assets, ensuring that the legacy of our ancestors endures. This crucial role in safeguarding our past helps us remember where we come from and grounds our understanding of our present and future.

The iconic Rosetta Stone , now housed in the British Museum , unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, revealing a wealth of knowledge about this ancient civilization.

Exhibiting Cultural Diversity

Museums showcase the incredible diversity of human cultures. In the vast halls of these institutions, we encounter societies far removed from our own, both geographically and temporally. From the vibrant masks of African tribes to the delicate porcelain of ancient China, museums put the world’s cultural panorama on display.

Moreover, museums often collaborate with the communities they represent, ensuring that their collections accurately and ethically depict diverse cultural experiences. This inclusive approach promotes mutual learning and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of humanity.

By exhibiting cultural diversity, museums promote a deeper understanding of our global community. They offer a unique platform to appreciate and learn about different cultures, reminding us of our shared humanity amidst our diverse ways of life.

Fostering Cultural Appreciation and Understanding

Museums are also potent catalysts for cultural appreciation and understanding.

As per the words of historian David McCullough ,

“History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates the role of museums. By presenting history in an engaging and accessible manner, museums help us understand our origins, how our societies have evolved, and why we have the cultural practices we do.

Through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community events, museums actively engage visitors, fostering empathy and promoting cultural exchange.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights , which uses immersive exhibits to promote understanding and dialogue about human rights issues, showcasing how cultural understanding can drive positive change.

Facilitating Academic Research

Museums provide a wealth of resources for academic researchers. Their collections, often comprising millions of objects, span vast periods of history and diverse cultures.

These institutions serve as invaluable resources for students, researchers, and academics alike. By visiting museums, you can gain a deeper understanding of various cultures, historical events, and artistic movements.

In many cases, museums partner with universities and other research institutions to carry out research projects. As a scholar, you can leverage their extensive resources, benefiting from their expertise and guidance.

Beyond simply housing artifacts, museums also offer:

Internships and fellowships: Many museums offer opportunities for students and researchers to work closely with their collections, providing hands-on experience and training.
Publications and databases: Museums regularly publish scholarly articles and books, and maintain online databases, making their collections accessible to researchers worldwide.

Contributing to Scientific Studies

Museums aren’t just for history buffs but for scientific research as well. Natural history museums, for instance, house collections of biological specimens, geological samples, and anthropological artifacts that are integral to the scientific process.

The American Museum of Natural History’s Department of Ornithology maintains comprehensive collections of birds from around the world, contributing to understanding of their evolution, ecology, and conservation.

Additionally, museums contribute to scientific studies by:

Conducting their own research: Many museums have dedicated research departments that conduct original scientific research.
Collaborating with universities: Museums often partner with universities and research institutions, providing resources and expertise to aid in scientific discoveries.

Holding Unique and Rare Artifacts for Study

Museums safeguard unique and rare artifacts, preserving them for future generations. These artifacts aren’t just visually stunning and provide invaluable insights into past civilizations, ecosystems, and artistic traditions.

The Dead Sea Scrolls , housed in the Israel Museum , offer a unique glimpse into the religious, cultural, and social life of ancient Jewish communities.
The Rosetta Stone , residing in the British Museum , unlocked our understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphs. It’s not just an artifact—it’s the key to deciphering a once-lost language and culture.

Encouraging Community Engagement

Museums today are vibrant, interactive hubs that actively encourage community engagement. They host a variety of programs and events, including art workshops, lectures, educational courses, and even musical performances.

Promoting your involvement in your local museums can foster connections among people and encourage a sense of belonging to a larger cultural narrative.

Museums also offer unique experiences that create lasting memories, such as:

Special exhibitions that showcase local art and talent.
Interactive displays that engage audiences of all ages.
Community outreach programs that extend the museum experience beyond its walls.

Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., which regularly hosts “Smithsonian Sleepovers.” These events not only allow children to explore exhibitions after hours but also engage in various hands-on educational activities, nurturing their curiosity and sparking a lifelong love for learning

Acting as Platforms for Discourse and Debate

Museums also serve as platforms for discourse and debate. They’re places where people can freely express their ideas, confront different perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations about various topics.

In some museums, you can join guided tours or attend public lectures that aim to broaden your understanding of diverse viewpoints.

Take, for instance, how museums often stage exhibitions that tackle contemporary issues or contentious historical events. They present diverse perspectives through curated displays and informative panels and prompt visitors to confront and discuss these topics. In this way, museums actively participate in societal dialogues, helping promote critical thinking and informed citizenship.

Facilitating Social Inclusion and Diversity

Perhaps one of the most significant roles of museums in the 21st century is their commitment to promoting social inclusion and diversity. As societal microcosms, museums have the power to tell stories that might otherwise be overlooked, giving voice to underrepresented groups and promoting understanding and empathy among diverse audiences.

Many museums today consciously include narratives and artifacts from underrepresented groups, reflecting a commitment to telling a more complete, nuanced story of our shared history. They also strive to be accessible to all visitors, offering facilities and programs for those with disabilities and reaching out to marginalized communities who may not typically engage with museums.

To support social inclusion, many museums have:

Multilingual materials and signs, making their content accessible to various language speakers.
Adaptive programs are specially tailored for visitors with disabilities or special needs.
Exhibits that showcase underrepresented stories, cultures, or artists, highlight the value of diversity.

Driving Local and International Tourism

Museums are a primary attraction for both local and international tourists. Whether you’re a local exploring your own city or an international traveler diving into a new culture, museums offer a wealth of knowledge, history, and beauty.

You can immerse yourself in interactive displays, admire cultural artifacts, and walk through time with guided tours that bring history to life.

According to the American Alliance of Museums, approximately 850 million visits are made to American museums each year, more than the attendance for all major league sporting events and theme parks combined. These statistics clearly illustrate the magnetic draw of museums.

The Louvre drew an estimated 9.6 million visitors in 2019, making it the one most visited museum in the world.

Boosting Local Economies

Museums can be powerful economic drivers for both small towns and large cities. As you visit a museum, not only do you contribute to its income through admission fees, but also indirectly support local businesses.

Visitors who come for the museums are likely to spend money on accommodations, dining, shopping, and other local attractions, thereby injecting money into the local economy and creating job opportunities.

Moreover, museums often partner with local businesses, artisans, and suppliers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the museum and the local economy, as it encourages the growth of a thriving tourism ecosystem.

Promoting Cultural Exchange

Museums are more than just repositories of art and culture. They’re places where you enter as one person and leave as another. This interaction helps build bridges of understanding, promotes empathy, and fosters continued growth in knowledge and appreciation of human history.

The Smithsonian Institution with its 19 museums and galleries, offers a wealth of knowledge and experiences from various cultures and disciplines, promoting understanding and respect for cultural diversity4.

Museums provide the opportunity to leave with a richer and more nuanced understanding of the world, making them indispensable destinations for anyone traveling near or far.

Preserving Artifacts and Specimens

The preservation of artifacts and specimens is a cornerstone of museum conservation. These objects — everything from ancient pottery to dinosaur bones, from Renaissance paintings to modern digital files — tell the story of human history and the natural world.

Museums ensure that these items are preserved for future generations to study and appreciate.

Using climate-controlled environments to prevent damage from humidity or temperature fluctuations.
High-quality storage methods such as acid-free boxes and archival materials are employed to protect delicate items.

This dedication to preservation allows future researchers to gain valuable insights and knowledge about the artifacts and their historical context.

Promoting Conservation Awareness

Museums are also powerhouses of education, sparking curiosity and fostering knowledge among their visitors. Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, they promote awareness about conservation and its importance in preserving our natural and cultural heritage.

When visitors wander through a natural history museum and marvel at the massive skeleton of a dinosaur or look in awe at the stunningly vivid colors of a butterfly collection, they are not just learning about these creatures. They are also being introduced to the concept of biodiversity, the threats it faces, and the crucial role conservation plays in its survival.

Moreover, museums often tackle issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution, challenging visitors to consider their individual roles in these global crises. In this way, museums function as bridges, connecting public understanding with the complex world of conservation science.

Contributing to Global Conservation Efforts

Museums not only preserve their collections, but they also contribute to global conservation efforts. They often collaborate with research organizations, governments, and NGOs to address the challenges facing our environment today.

Natural history museums are often involved in biodiversity research, their scientists venturing into unexplored territories to document and collect new species. These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of the natural world but also inform conservation strategies.

Similarly, many art museums have programs dedicated to conserving art pieces threatened by time, human conflict, or natural disasters. They work tirelessly to restore these pieces, ensuring that the beauty and insights they offer are not lost to future generations.

Encouraging Reflection on Societal Changes

Museums encourage reflection on societal changes, inviting visitors to ponder over the progression and regression in our society. Through the lens of a museum, we can see how far we’ve come and consider the path we’re paving for the future.

A museum is a mirror that reflects societal transformations—from the Industrial Revolution’s impact on the environment to the Civil Rights Movement’s shift in social justice. It’s a place where we can critically examine the past, ponder over the present, and imagine a better future.

The Science Museum in London exhibits technological advancements from the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Age.

Commemorating Significant Events and Individuals

Museums also honor significant events and individuals who have shaped our collective history. They can provide a space to celebrate and reflect upon the contributions of notable figures and tragic events that have profoundly impacted society.

Through the commemoration of these events and people, museums serve as a reminder of our shared past and help us appreciate the extraordinary events and contributions that have made our world what it is today.

Some well-known examples include:

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam immortalizes the story of a young girl in the face of Holocaust atrocities.
The years-long history of Nikola Tesla is presented through various museums.
The Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

These museums and exhibits offer you the chance to reflect on monumental moments in human history and appreciate the resilience and creativity of humanity.

Enhancing Accessibility through Virtual Museums

Virtual museums are a game-changer in democratizing access to culture and heritage. These digital platforms allow anyone with an internet connection to explore collections from the comfort of their homes.

This means that a student in Tokyo can take a virtual tour of the Louvre in Paris, or an art enthusiast in New York can marvel at the ancient sculptures in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

It’s no trivia that Google Arts & Culture , an online platform for museum exploration, partners with over 2000 museums across 80 countries, making art and culture universally accessible. This digital transformation also supports those with mobility issues, offering virtual access to exhibits that might be physically challenging to reach.

Providing Interactive and Immersive Experiences

The next level of digital evolution in museums is the creation of interactive and immersive experiences. Traditional museums encourage passive observation. In contrast, digital museums invite visitors to engage, interact, and even influence the museum experience.

By leveraging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) , museums are creating immersive digital experiences that transport visitors to different eras, locations, and perspectives.

Imagine witnessing the construction of the pyramids, standing amidst a battle from World War II, or diving deep into the human body’s cellular structure – all of this is possible with digital and interactive museums.

The British Museum’s virtual reality tour of the Bronze Age recreates life during that period. Users can explore a typical house from the era, handle virtual objects, and even ‘meet’ the locals. This level of interactivity provides a dynamic, engaging way to learn about history that’s more memorable than reading from a textbook.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Cultural Access

The integration of digital media in museums not only enhances your experience but also bridges the digital divide in cultural access. In the past, cultural experiences were often limited to those who could afford to travel or live in cities with museums. But digital museums bring culture to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, making cultural education more equitable.

Moreover, they also offer educational institutions worldwide the opportunity to integrate world-class museum resources into their curricula. This interconnectivity fosters a global cultural exchange that enriches everyone’s understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories.

Providing Spaces for Relaxation and Contemplation

Museums, with their serene and intellectually stimulating environment, can be an oasis of calm in the midst of bustling city life. Their wide-open spaces, lofty ceilings, and the soft murmur of hushed conversations create an ambiance perfect for relaxation and contemplation.

Visiting a museum is like stepping into a different world—a world brimming with history, culture, and creativity. In the middle of the busy streets of New York City, for instance, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) stands as a sanctuary where people can escape from the fast-paced city life, engross themselves in remarkable art pieces, and find their own quiet corner for contemplation.

Promoting Mental Health Awareness

Museums often create exhibitions and events that address mental health topics, helping to break down stigma and raise awareness about these important issues. By showcasing stories of both historical figures and everyday people who have faced mental health challenges, these institutions can help you better understand and empathize with the experiences of others.

“The Heart of the Matter” exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in London used art and science to explore the connection between the heart, emotions, and mental health. These exhibitions stimulate conversations on mental health, encouraging you to engage with these issues in a supportive and educational environment.

Showcasing National Achievements

Museums are spectacular stages where national achievements are showcased. They highlight accomplishments across various fields—from science and technology to arts and sports. For instance, consider the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C., which proudly displays the iconic Apollo 11 Command Module, a testament to America’s pioneering role in space exploration.

Such exhibitions do more than just pique our curiosity; they:

Inspire individuals to strive for greatness
Encourage innovation and creativity
Promote a shared sense of accomplishment

Just imagine standing before the original Wright Brothers’ Flyer or the Bell X-1 that first broke the sound barrier. These aren’t merely objects but tangible proof of human triumph over limitations, sparking a sense of pride and admiration.

Illustrating Historical Narratives

History comes alive within the walls of museums. They weave together the threads of time, translating historical narratives into visual stories. A stroll through a museum is akin to a time travel expedition—it offers unique insights into the events that shaped a nation’s destiny.

The poignant exhibits at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan. They paint a vivid picture of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb in 1945. These powerful displays serve as a stark reminder of the horrors of war, informing present and future generations and reinforcing a commitment to peace.

As Maya Angelou once said,

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

Museums play a crucial role in illustrating these narratives, ensuring we remember and learn from our past.

Strengthening National Pride and Unity

Museums are a testament to a nation’s shared values, experiences, and aspirations, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among its citizens. They are places where people can learn about their shared heritage, connect with their roots, and develop a deeper appreciation for their nation’s culture and history.

The British Museum houses some 8 million works, many among the world’s most significant. Walking through its halls, you’re treated to a chronological and geographical tour of human civilization, with a particular focus on Britain’s rich history and influence. This can instill a sense of pride and unity among visitors, strengthening their connection to the nation.

Do museums work together and collaborate?

Yes, museums often collaborate with each other on various levels to create a richer cultural experience. They work together through partnerships, sharing resources, co-organizing exhibitions, and exchanging knowledge.

These collaborations can be local, regional, or international, fostering a sense of community and helping to expand cultural understanding. By collaborating, museums can achieve broader goals and create more impactful experiences for their visitors.

How can I support my local museum?

Supporting your local museum is a great way to give back to your community and ensure the preservation of art, history, and culture. There are several ways you can support your local museum:

• Visit regularly: One of the most straightforward ways to support a museum is to visit it and encourage friends and family to do the same.

• Become a member: Museums often offer membership programs that provide exclusive benefits such as free entry, discounts, and invitations to special events. Your membership fees directly contribute to the museum’s operations and programming.

• Donate: Financial contributions are always appreciated, whether it’s a one-time donation or a recurring contribution. You can also consider sponsoring a specific project or program that resonates with you.

• Attend events: Museums often host events such as lectures, workshops, and fundraising galas. By attending these events, you not only support the museum financially but also engage with the museum’s community.

• Spread the word: Share your experiences on social media and leave positive reviews to help increase awareness and attract more visitors.

Are there different roles and career paths in a museum?

Yes, there are a variety of roles and career paths within a museum, each offering unique opportunities to contribute to the institution’s mission. Some key positions include:

• Curator: Curators are responsible for acquiring, managing, and interpreting a museum’s collection. They also plan exhibitions and conduct research in their areas of expertise.

• Conservator: Conservators work to preserve and maintain the museum’s collection, ensuring that the artifacts remain in optimal condition for future generations.

• Educator: Museum educators develop and implement educational programs, engaging with visitors and facilitating learning experiences.

• Administrator: Administrators are involved in various aspects of museum operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, and strategic planning.

• Visitor Services: This team creates a welcoming and informative environment, assists visitors with questions, and manages ticketing and membership programs.

Can I volunteer at a museum?

Yes, volunteering at a museum is a fantastic way to support the institution, connect with your community, and gain valuable experience. Museums often rely on volunteers to help with various tasks, such as leading tours, assisting with events, or working behind the scenes on projects related to collections and research.

To get started, reach out to your local museum and inquire about their volunteer opportunities. They may have an application process or specific requirements, but many museums are eager to welcome passionate individuals who want to make a difference.

Museums are key to preserving and understanding various cultures and histories. They have significant impacts on education, tourism, and the economy. Here are some of the main points:

Museums enhance your knowledge about the world and its complexities.
They act as platforms for community dialogue, learning, and debate, thereby helping address societal issues.
Museums present innovative ideas and solutions through their exhibits, contributing to future growth and resilience.
They need to adapt with time, like embracing new technologies for improved visitor experiences and collaborating with diverse institutions for creative enrichment.

Cultural expert Maria Balshaw highlights that museums offer a peek into different cultures, times, and places. They inspire visitors to think differently and explore new perspectives. Visitors can actively participate in preserving museums by becoming members or volunteering.

Local museums are important, too, as they tell unique stories about your community. Visiting them can enhance your understanding of the world, help you appreciate its intricacies, and equip you with a better understanding of human experiences to face future challenges.

So, the next time you find yourself at the doorstep of a museum, remember: you’re not just entering a building but a gateway to infinite worlds. Let the spirit of discovery guide you, and who knows what incredible journeys you might embark on.

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Clariza Carizal

Clariza is a passionate writer and editor who firmly believes that words have great power. She has a degree in BS Psychology, which gives her an in-depth understanding of the complexities of human behavior. As a woman of science and art, she fused her love for both fields in crafting insightful articles on lifestyle, mental health, and social justice to inspire others and advocate for change.

In her leisure time, you can find her sitting in the corner of her favorite coffee shop downtown, deeply immersed in her bubble of thoughts. Being an art enthusiast that she is, she finds bliss in exploring the rich world of fiction writing and diverse art forms.

Smithsonian Voices

From the Smithsonian Museums

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

What Indigenous Americans Believe About Eclipses

From Cherokee to Shawnee to Shoshone-Bannock and others, the traditions and beliefs marking an eclipse reveal close connections to the planets

Dennis Zotigh

The National Museum of American Indian has received numerous inquiries concerning the upcoming eclipse. Part of the museum’s mission is to provide a forum for Native people’s voices, so we went to the Internet to ask, “Does your tribe have any beliefs or protocols concerning the eclipse?” Here are some replies from the original 2017 publication with new responses added. The correspondent’s Native affiliation (and where he or she is living now) appears ahead of their quote.

Laguna–Acoma Pueblo (New Mexico): “My Chacoan and Mesa Verde ancestors were astronomers. They marked Halley's comet, we watched the sun, and we predicted eclipses. The Sun Dagger at Chaco Canyon is a prime example of the science of my Puebloan ancestors. I asked my elders recently of any taboos with eclipses. I was told that they are a time of transformation and not to fear them. Those in our tribe who feel fear have done something wrong. They told me to pray with cornmeal, respect the silence, and accept the transformation coming.”

Southern Paiute (Nevada and Arizona) “ The eclipse is a reflection of love for the Nuwu (Southern Paiute). There is no taboo by looking at the eclipse other than watching the sun and moon come together in the embrace of making love. It is a special day to reflect on what love means to you, to remove any anger you may have and do a deed of kindness and an act of love. It is a day of giving, of life, of love, for without the sun and moon we would be in misery just as our legend tells us.

At one time our world was filled with darkness. The beings (animals and humans) slept most of the time, and when they were hungry could not find food to hunt in the dark. Tahvah the sun only came out when he wanted; he did not feel he had to work so hard and just wanted to give up all together. The people became angry and gathered to meet. Soonungwuv (coyote) heard of this gathering and went to talk to them.

They told him how they felt and asked why the sun does not come out longer. Soonungwuv explained that Tahvah was lonesome, he had no wife to love him and was lonesome most of the time. The beings all agreed they would help find a wife for Tahvah.

There was a maiden among them who had no husband, so the chiefs brought her to Soonungwuv. He took her away and turned her skin into gold and rubbed it until it shone brightly, and she was very beautiful. He then took her to Tahvah, and she became his wife. Tahvah was very happy now and proud of his wife. One day he said to Soonungwuv, “My wife shines bright like me, but I wish she were round like me too.” So Soonungwuv, turned his wife into a big round ball. Tahvah worked more regularly and willing now and he talked no more of quitting his work. He began his journey across the sky very early so he could hurry back to his wife. That is how tooweap got twilight.

One day the wife said to her husband, “Let me go back to my people for a little while. I want them to see how beautiful you have made me.” Tahvah said, “All right, you can go but hurry back for I will be lonesome.” She had never seen how she looked, but Soonungwuv and her husband had told her she was very beautiful, and she wanted to see for herself. She rubbed herself all over as Suhnuv had done until there was not a dull spot on her, then she started back to visit her old home and her people. When she reached her people, she wanted to play a trick on them so she jumped over their heads and village and dodged among them but they became very frightened. They could not understand it as they did not know it was her. They ran in all directions and when she called to them to stop, they ran only faster. That made her angry and when her people would not stop or come to her, she jumped on them and killed them. In and around the village she went, smashing their homes and killing all the people she could see.

A great cry went up to Soonungwuv to come and stop Tahvah’s wife. Soonungwuv came and sent her home. When she was gone the beings begged Soonungwuv to kill her for they were afraid she would come back and hurt them. Soonungwuv said, “No, if I kill her, Tahvah will quit work. I will take care of it and talk with them.” Soonunngwuv went to talk to Tahvah and his wife and returned to tell council, “Yes, Tahvah’s wife must pay for what she has done. I will give her some of the darkness that is on tooweap and she must give you some of her light to guide you in the darkness. She shall be like the night bird, always traveling in the dark. Tahvah will travel across the sky as he has always done, and she will have to travel across the sky through the night.”

They replied, “But we will still fear her, she might see us and want to jump on us again.”

Soonungwuv said, “I will see to it that she does not, by making it so she is never full for very long & she cannot bounce any more. She will start out as a thin light just as she was when she was given to Tahvah, every night she will grow until she is full just as her husband had wanted and this will make her happy to see how beautiful she looks. She will not want to harm her people when she sees how she is helping them, and they see how beautiful she is shining down on them.

“Her name shall be Mah tohots, the moon, and you can count time by her movements. Begin when she is thin and starts to grow, after she has grown full and back to thin again, that will be one measure of time. Call this one moon and the moons will always be the same. There will be 12 moons of time and you can give them twelve names so you will know the different seasons. Tahvah will bring light into his wife Mah tohots, and this will make him happy so he will not quit work and be lonely and tooweap will have both light and darkness so all living beings will be more at ease.”

As Soonungwuv promised the living beings on tooweap long ago, so it has been to this day. Mah tohots is still the wife of Tahvah; he travels all day, and she travels at night. Toovuts (Wolf) made it so they can be together and yoho (make love) when they need it and to also bring love to the people who have forgotten what love is when anger and unrest has taken over their minds, just as it had done when darkness was across tooweap. This is a time to be together with your loved ones and forget about the darkness that we have within us. It was the act of love that brought us into this world, and we should never forget this as we witness the act of love between the Sun and the Moon.”

Cherokee (Oklahoma): “Cherokee say it is a giant frog in the sky trying to eat the sun. Everybody is supposed to go outside and make a big noise with drums, whistles, and voices to scare the frog away.”

Shawnee (Kansas): “Our prophet Tenskwatawa, predicted a solar eclipse leading up to the War of 1812. He predicted this to William Henry Harrison, who dared Tenskwatawa to predict the future. He did, and tribes came from all over to hear our Prophet speak.”

Shoshone Bannock (Idaho): “My gramma would close all her windows. She says that’s when bad things happen to bad people. After that, we would drink water that she prayed for. That’s my young recollection of the eclipse, both lunar and solar.”

Hopi (Arizona): “I am Hopi Sun Clan! We pray to our Dawa every morning. During the last eclipse, our nieces and nephews were given their sacred Hopi names—Red Beautiful Sun, New Colorful Sun, and Little Sunboy! It's very significant to us, a time for ceremony.”

Kumiai and Yaqui (Maryland): “I was raised outside my traditional community. This is what I was taught by my mother and aunties in Mexico: For pregnant women especially, during an eclipse they are to wear a red sash with a small steel pin or keys and not to go outside at all.”

Nakoda (Alberta, Canada): “Our elders have said that any meteor and lunar activity are omens signifying events that will come to pass. Rings around the sun and moon may indicate significant weather change. Lunar and sun eclipses have deeper representations. This activity represents some natural occurrence to happen on earth.”

Ho-Chunk (Wisconsin): “Was told to respect both sun and moon eclipses. Time of transformation. “

Crow (Montana): “We believe it's a new beginning. The sun dies and is rejuvenated.”

The Institute for Diné Culture, Philosophy and Government , in Rock Point, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation, received so many inquiries that the staff prepared a detailed reply:

Our Diné people have a completely different definition and perspective on this sacred natural phenomenon. The belief is that the Jóhonaa’éí (Sun) is the male and the Tł‘éhonaa’éí (Moon) is the female. The Sun is the most powerful deity amongst all creation, here on earth and in the universe. The Sun is the epicenter of all creation. Nothing will live or function without the Sun. The Sun controls and regulates the universe, whereas the moon controls and regulates the earth.

The Sun is vested with the concept of and in control of death ( anoonééł ), and the Moon is vested with and in control of birthing ( oochííł ). When a solar or lunar eclipse occurs, it is believed that a death occurs. That is the reason why an eclipse is termed daaztsą ́, either Jóhonaa’éí daaztsą́ (solar eclipse) or Tł'éhonaa’éí daaztsą́ (lunar eclipse). A death is a very sacred occurrence. There are certain necessary protocols, but most important is the strict and comprehensive reverence in observing the occurrence of death ( yéego dílzin dóó hodílzin ). During a solar or lunar eclipse, strict and comprehensive acts of reverence must be carried out.

In addition to the concept of death during an eclipse, it is also believed that during an eclipse, the Sun and the Moon are mating. After the passing of the eclipse, when the sun or moon becomes fully bright once again, it is believed that a birthing has just taken place. It is believed that the mating is to give birth to, or renew, the universe and all creation. During this birthing/renewal process, the universe and all creation are reborn, realigned, and there is growth and development amongst all of creation as well.

Due to the very sacredness of death and birth, the reverence required to be shown during an eclipse is very strict and comprehensive ( ts’ídá yéego hodílzin ). There is only one way to be reverent during an eclipse. No shortcuts exist. We cannot simply smudge ashes or corn pollen upon ourselves and exit our homes and carry on as if it is just another day. The following acts of reverence must be carried out during an eclipse: We must stay inside, preferably in our home; we cannot eat or drink anything, cannot be asleep, cannot brush or comb our hair or wash ourselves, cannot be in an intimate act with our spouse or anyone of the opposite sex, cannot needlessly move around, are required to remain calm and still, cannot look outside, cannot look at the sun while the eclipse is occurring—yes, it also means the shadow of the sun, through a pinhole or other apparatuses; and we cannot be using the restroom.

During the eclipse, we must be in full prayer and reverence. Prayers must be focused on the concept of the Sun or Moon going through an ending, and we are to pray about the ending of bad or evil, or the ending of phases of life. In addition, our prayers must be focused on the birth and renewal that will arrive when the eclipse ends. Moreover, prayers must be about a better future. Most of the time, we pray for and about ourselves and loved ones. It is advocated that prayers during an eclipse must mostly be about this creation: the ending, renewal, and the future of this creation and the divine presence. If we know the songs for use during eclipses, those songs can be sung at that time.

Moreover, during the eclipse, we must always look down at the ground, cannot be looking up or outside. The animals, the insects, the birds will not be active during the eclipse. The birds will not fly; the insects will hibernate; horses and dogs will be calm and look down at the ground.

When the eclipse ends, we will end our prayer and say hózhǫ́ náhásdlį́į́ four times. At that time, we must take our corn pollen ( tádídíín ) out and use it as an offering to acknowledge our prayer and to acknowledge the sacred phenomenon. The corn pollen will be the first meal taken after the eclipse, just as corn pollen is the first food eaten in a new period of life. We will feel the renewal of life, the rejuvenation of life, the feeling of going on, and a positive outlook of the future.

It is tremendously amazing how our people knew when the eclipses were going to happen through their prayers, songs, and belief systems without technology. Today we have to rely on the media to inform us when these eclipses are going to take place. Our prayers and songs are very powerful.

Our traditional Diné teachings instruct us that if a person does not observe the eclipse in accordance with the cultural protocols that have been outlined here, the nonobserver will certainly develop eye problems. Unexplained sunburns or rashes will develop, digestive problems and unexplained migraine headaches will develop. If a woman is pregnant and follows the proper required protocols, there should not be any problems. However, if the protocols are not followed, prenatal problems may develop, and when the child is born, the child will certainly develop digestive and skin problems. There are ceremonies to put people back in harmony. It requires a two-day ceremony, however, with an overnight portion and sand paintings.

The Diné Institute is merely sharing our sacred and still relevant cultural teachings. An individual always has a choice to observe or not to observe the eclipse. We hope that our brief synopsis has clarified, reaffirmed, or educated our readers about the upcoming eclipse. On behalf of all of our resident Diné Institute Hataałiis and staff, we thank you for your understanding and encourage all of you to keep our cultural protocols alive and sacred by observing the upcoming eclipse in accordance with these requirements. We thank all the school districts and other agencies who concluded that it would be in the best interest of our children and our sacred cultural belief systems to close schools and offices on the day of the eclipse. May the Holy People be with you and bless you. Reprinted with permission courtesy of the Institute for Diné Culture, Philosophy and Government

Dennis Zotigh | READ MORE

Dennis W. Zotigh (Kiowa/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo/Isante Dakota Indian) is a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan and San Juan Pueblo Winter Clan and a descendant of Sitting Bear and No Retreat, both principal war chiefs of the Kiowas. Dennis works as a writer and cultural specialist at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

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How we built the Moscow metro

2014 • documentary • 52'

authors Anne Brunswic & Xavier Villetard • director Xavier Villetard • editing Marie-Pomme Carterert • directof of photoprahy Christopher Morley-Pegge • sound Yolande Decarsin

In the 1930’s, the workers of the underground, headed by brigades of writers, are in charge to write in real time "the history of the Moscow Metro".

Based on their narratives, partially unpublished, the film recounts the first lines construction of the most beautifiul underground in the world, in the light of this "big literary Utopia", stoped by the purges of 1937-38

A coproduction .Mille et Une. Films, Arte France & Ethnogeographic Research Foundation. With the participation of the channels Histoire and SVT.

With the support from the CNC, the region Brittany, the Procirep - Société des Producteurs and the Angoa.

International sales : Arte Distribution .

english version available

Drumming Bones
The Tomorrows
The salamander complex
With my lil' bouquet
Struggle isn’t for everybody…
Mikhail Gorbachev, confidential
Danton's death
Fragments of a revolution
The time of the borders
The legacy of Tibhirine
Seven days in the life of Father Christmas

Mille et Une Films 27 avenue Louis Barthou 35000 RENNES tel : 00 33 2 23 44 03 59 [email protected]

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Why were so many metro stations in Moscow renamed?

Okhotny Ryad station in Soviet times and today.

The Moscow metro system has 275 stations, and 28 of them have been renamed at some point or other—and several times in some cases. Most of these are the oldest stations, which opened in 1935.

The politics of place names

The first station to change its name was Ulitsa Kominterna (Comintern Street). The Comintern was an international communist organization that ceased to exist in 1943, and after the war Moscow authorities decided to call the street named after it something else. In 1946, the station was renamed Kalininskaya. Then for several days in 1990, the station was called Vozdvizhenka, before eventually settling on Aleksandrovsky Sad, which is what it is called today.

The banner on the entraince reads: "Kalininskaya station." Now it's Alexandrovsky Sad.

Until 1957, Kropotkinskaya station was called Dvorets Sovetov ( Palace of Soviets ). There were plans to build a monumental Stalinist high-rise on the site of the nearby Cathedral of Christ the Saviour , which had been demolished. However, the project never got off the ground, and after Stalin's death the station was named after Kropotkinskaya Street, which passes above it.

Dvorets Sovetov station, 1935. Letters on the entrance: "Metro after Kaganovich."

Of course, politics was the main reason for changing station names. Initially, the Moscow Metro itself was named after Lazar Kaganovich, Joseph Stalin’s right-hand man. Kaganovich supervised the construction of the first metro line and was in charge of drawing up a master plan for reconstructing Moscow as the "capital of the proletariat."

In 1955, under Nikita Khrushchev's rule and during the denunciation of Stalin's personality cult, the Moscow Metro was named in honor of Vladimir Lenin.

Kropotkinskaya station, our days. Letters on the entrance: "Metropolitan after Lenin."

New Metro stations that have been opened since the collapse of the Soviet Union simply say "Moscow Metro," although the metro's affiliation with Vladimir Lenin has never officially been dropped.

Zyablikovo station. On the entrance, there are no more signs that the metro is named after Lenin.

Stations that bore the names of Stalin's associates were also renamed under Khrushchev. Additionally, some stations were named after a neighborhood or street and if these underwent name changes, the stations themselves had to be renamed as well.

Until 1961 the Moscow Metro had a Stalinskaya station that was adorned by a five-meter statue of the supreme leader. It is now called Semyonovskaya station.

Left: Stalinskaya station. Right: Now it's Semyonovskaya.

The biggest wholesale renaming of stations took place in 1990, when Moscow’s government decided to get rid of Soviet names. Overnight, 11 metro stations named after revolutionaries were given new names. Shcherbakovskaya became Alekseyevskaya, Gorkovskaya became Tverskaya, Ploshchad Nogina became Kitay-Gorod and Kirovskaya turned into Chistye Prudy. This seriously confused passengers, to put it mildly, and some older Muscovites still call Lubyanka station Dzerzhinskaya for old times' sake.

At the same time, certain stations have held onto their Soviet names. Marksistskaya and Kropotkinskaya, for instance, although there were plans to rename them too at one point.

"I still sometimes mix up Teatralnaya and Tverskaya stations,” one Moscow resident recalls .

“Both have been renamed and both start with a ‘T.’ Vykhino still grates on the ear and, when in 1991 on the last day of my final year at school, we went to Kitay-Gorod to go on the river cruise boats, my classmates couldn’t believe that a station with that name existed."

The city government submitted a station name change for public discussion for the first time in 2015. The station in question was Voykovskaya, whose name derives from the revolutionary figure Pyotr Voykov. In the end, city residents voted against the name change, evidently not out of any affection for Voykov personally, but mainly because that was the name they were used to.

What stations changed their name most frequently?

Some stations have changed names three times. Apart from the above-mentioned Aleksandrovsky Sad (Ulitsa Kominterna->Kalininskaya->Vozdvizhenka->Aleksandrovsky Sad), a similar fate befell Partizanskaya station in the east of Moscow. Opened in 1944, it initially bore the ridiculously long name Izmaylovsky PKiO im. Stalina (Izmaylovsky Park of Culture and Rest Named After Stalin). In 1947, the station was renamed and simplified for convenience to Izmaylovskaya. Then in 1963 it was renamed yet again—this time to Izmaylovsky Park, having "donated" its previous name to the next station on the line. And in 2005 it was rechristened Partizanskaya to mark the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II.

Partizanskaya metro station, nowadays.

Another interesting story involves Alekseyevskaya metro station. This name was originally proposed for the station, which opened in 1958, since a village with this name had been located here. It was then decided to call the station Shcherbakovskaya in honor of Aleksandr Shcherbakov, a politician who had been an associate of Stalin. Nikita Khrushchev had strained relations with Shcherbakov, however, and when he got word of it literally a few days before the station opening the builders had to hastily change all the signs. It ended up with the concise and politically correct name of Mir (Peace).

The name Shcherbakovskaya was restored in 1966 after Khrushchev's fall from power. It then became Alekseyevskaya in 1990.

Alekseyevskaya metro station.

But the station that holds the record for the most name changes is Okhotny Ryad, which opened in 1935 on the site of a cluster of market shops. When the metro system was renamed in honor of Lenin in 1955, this station was renamed after Kaganovich by way of compensation. The name lasted just two years though because in 1957 Kaganovich fell out of favor with Khrushchev, and the previous name was returned. But in 1961 it was rechristened yet again, this time in honor of Prospekt Marksa, which had just been built nearby.

Okhotny Ryad station in 1954 and Prospekt Marksa in 1986.

In 1990, two historical street names—Teatralny Proyezd and Mokhovaya Street—were revived to replace Prospekt Marksa, and the station once again became Okhotny Ryad.

Okhotny Ryad in 2020.

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Watch CBS News

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous without special glasses? Eye doctors explain.

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:54 AM EDT / CBS News

The solar eclipse will be visible for millions of Americans on April 8, 2024, making many excited to see it — but how you watch it matters, since it can be dangerous for your eyes.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light . When the moon blocks some of the sun, it's a partial solar eclipse, but when moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light, a total solar eclipse occurs, NASA explains . Either way, you need eye protection when viewing.

"The solar eclipse will be beautiful, so I hope that everyone experiences it — but they need to experience it in the right way," said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis.

Here's what to know to stay safe.

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous?

Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

Some say that during a total eclipse, it's safe to view the brief period time when the moon completely blocks the sun without eye protection. But experts warn against it.

"Totality of the eclipse lasts only about 1 to 3 minutes based on geographic location, and bright sunlight suddenly can appear as the moon continues to move," notes an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA , adding, "even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse" can temporarily or permanently damage your vision.

Do I need special glasses for eclipse viewing?

Yes. Eclipse glasses are needed to protect your eyes if you want to look at the eclipse.

Regular sunglasses aren't protective enough for eclipse viewing — even if you stack more than one.

"There's no amount of sunglasses that people can put on that will make up for the filtering that the ISO standard filters and the eclipse glasses provide," Brinton said.

You also shouldn't look at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars or telescope, according to NASA, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury.

Eclipse glasses must comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard , according to NASA, and should have an "ISO" label printed on them to show they comply. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved solar viewers.

Can't find these, or they're sold out near you? You can also make homemade viewers , which allow you to observe the eclipse indirectly — just don't accidentally look at the sun while using one.

How to keep kids safe during the solar eclipse

Since this eclipse is expected to occur around the time of dismissal for many schools across the country, it may be tempting for students to view it without the proper safety precautions while getting to and from their buses. That's why some school districts are canceling classes early so kids can enjoy the event safely with their families.

Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, vitreoretinal surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, said parents should also be careful because it can be difficult for children to listen or keep solar eclipse glasses on.

"You want to actually, in my opinion, kind of avoid them even looking at the eclipse, if possible," he said. "Never look directly at the sun, always wear the right eclipse sunglasses if you are going to look at the sun and make sure that those are coming from a reliable source."

Brinton recommends everyone starts their eclipse "viewing" early, by looking at professional photos and videos of an eclipse online or visiting a local planetarium.

That way, you "have an idea of what to expect," he said.

He also recommends the foundation Prevent Blindness , which has resources for families about eclipse safety.

What happens if you look at a solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

While your eyes likely won't hurt in the moment if you look at the eclipse without protection, due to lowered brightness and where damage occurs in the eye, beware: The rays can still cause damage .

The harm may not be apparent immediately. Sometimes trouble starts to appear one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes.

And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent.

"Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there's a degree to which it is permanent," Brinton said.

How long do you have to look at the eclipse to damage your eyes?

Any amount of time looking at the eclipse without protection is too long, experts say.

"If someone briefly looks at the eclipse, if it's extremely brief, in some cases there won't be damage. But damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases," Brinton said. He said he's had patients who have suffered from solar retinopathy, the official name for the condition.

Deobhakta treated a patient who watched the 2017 solar eclipse for 20 seconds without proper eye protection. She now has permanent damage in the shape of a crescent that interferes with her vision.

"The crescent that is burned into the retina, the patient sees as black in her visual field," he said. "The visual deficit that she has will never go away."

How to know if you've damaged your eyes from looking at the eclipse

Signs and symptoms of eye damage following an eclipse viewing include headaches, blurred vision, dark spots, changes to how you see color, lines and shapes.

Unfortunately, there isn't a treatment for solar retinopathy.

"Seeing an eye care professional to solidify the diagnosis and for education I think is reasonable," Brinton said, but added, "right now there is nothing that we do for this. Just wait and give it time and the body does tend to heal up a measure of it."

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity. While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration. Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way. The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow. The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum. Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide. What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater. You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure . I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history. It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River. Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin. Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention. The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper. Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station. Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action. The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases). Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur. It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city. The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life. Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature . The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile. However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment. Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections. At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again). Chrome borders all. Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft. There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects. Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display. By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry. The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform. The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns. The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students. Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success. Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing. At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45. Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics. This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area. Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market. The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in. The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya. Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya. At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north. Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center. Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii. Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala. For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits: SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

Photo Illustration: The phases of a total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

This composite image of thirteen photographs shows the progression of a total solar eclipse

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury, according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at.

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

The "diamond ring effect" is shown following totality of the solar eclipse at Palm Cove in Australia's Tropical North Queensland in 2012.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

The Bailey's Beads effect is seen as the moon makes its final move over the sun during the total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

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Can’t Find Eclipse Glasses? Here’s What to Do.

You can watch a projection of the eclipse using some common household items.

Share full article

Two people kneel near an open cardboard box that they’ve fashioned into a projector for viewing an eclipse.

By Katrina Miller

Follow our live updates on the total solar eclipse .

Reliable paper-framed glasses are by far the most popular option for safely watching the total solar eclipse on Monday. But they’ve gotten more difficult to find in some places ahead of the event.

If you’ve checked everywhere — your local planetarium, public library and even online — fear not: There is still a way to watch the eclipse safely, using items around the house. Here are a few options.

Use your hands

Palms up, position one hand over the other at a 90-degree angle. Open your fingers slightly in a waffle pattern, and allow sunlight to stream through the spaces onto the ground, or another surface. During the eclipse, you will see a projection of the moon obscuring the surface of the sun.

This method works with anything with holes, such as a straw hat, a strainer, a cheese grater or even a perforated spoon. You will also notice this effect when light from the partially eclipsed sun streams through leaves on a tree.

Set up a cardstock screen

For this option, you need a couple of white index cards or two sheets of cardstock paper. First, punch a small hole in the middle of one of the cards using a thumbtack or a pin.

Then, facing away from the sun, allow light to stream through this pinhole. Position the second card underneath to function as a screen. Adjust the spacing between the two cards to make the projection of the sun larger or smaller.

Make a box projector

If you’re up for a bit of crafting, you can make a more sophisticated pinhole projector . Start with a cardboard box — empty cereal boxes are often used, but you can use a larger box, too. You’ll also need scissors, white paper, tape, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack.

Cut the piece of paper to fit the inside bottom of the cardboard box to act as a screen. Use tape to hold it in place.

On the top of the box, cut two rectangular holes on either side. (The middle should be left intact — you can use tape to secure this if needed.)

Tape a piece of aluminum foil over one of the rectangular cutouts. Punch a tiny hole in the middle of the foil with the tack or pin. The other cutout will serve as a view hole.

With your back to the sun, position the foil side of the box over your shoulder, letting light stream through the pinhole. An image of the sun will project onto the screen at the bottom of the box, which you can see through the view hole. A bigger box will create a bigger image.

Enjoy the show through any of these makeshift pinholes. And remember, during totality, you can view the sun directly with your naked eye. But you should stop looking at the sun as soon as it reappears.

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

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