This is a guide-note that will help you navigate museum programs and events.
I won't recommend specific museums, since blog readers live in different cities. I'm sure that in the end you'll be able to see the big picture and choose what the museums in your region offer.
Looking at the "Peacock" clock in the Hermitage
All children's programs in museums can be divided into two types:
• those intended for organized children's groups (schools, kindergartens and other children's organizations);
• those aimed at individual visitors (from which groups can also form).
And while the first type is more or less clear (parents do not always take part in their organization), the others are a bit more complicated. Let's figure it out.
The most popular museum programs for individual visitors with children are workshops, where some crafts are usually made, and themed tours. Average duration is about an hour, sometimes longer.
Museums also hold concerts, stage theatrical performances, and run themed classes (for example, in the form of clubs). These can be one-off events or subscription series.
Sasha at the children's center of the Tyumen Museum Association.
Important! Most often children aged 5 and up are invited to such events. It's harder to find something for toddlers, although such examples do occur. For children aged 0–3 these are most likely going to be developmental activities not directly related to the museum's theme.
Where to look for this information? As we've already discussed, finding information on a museum's website is not always easy, so if you can't figure it out on your own (which is absolutely normal!), the most reliable way is to call the museum and ask what opportunities they have for children.
Sometimes museums offer formats for independent family visits. These include:
• audio guides aimed at children. For example, such audio guides are created during the ADIT conference as part of the "School of Schools" project (you can see the list on the official conference website) or on the izi.travel platform by searching for the word "ADIT".
• quests and other handout materials that you can use to go through the exhibition. They can be paid or free. Most often they can be obtained at the museum ticket office (and it's always worth checking whether this option exists!).
Sasha (4.5 years old) with an audio guide at the Museum of St. Petersburg Art of the 20th–21st centuries. The audio guide is the same for everyone.
Another not-so-obvious way that suits involved parents is to follow news about grant-funded projects. Museum professionals regularly apply for grants, often on children's topics, and always post about them in museum groups on social media. These can be project labs, workshops and other more interactive formats. Projects aimed at teenagers now appear regularly.
I'll single out special and seasonal projects. Museums can organize summer camps. For example, these can be themed sessions related to the museum's focus, half-day or sometimes full-day. You can also celebrate a child's birthday or hold another celebration at a museum! It can be a tour, a workshop and a tea party.
Whatever format you choose, it's worth preparing the child for the museum visit in advance. Especially if it's their first time. Explain what a museum is and how it differs from other places the child knows, and go over the rules of behavior. You can look at photos and videos of the museum halls.
In the next post we'll talk about what kinds of museums there are and which museums are best to start getting acquainted with the museum world.
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