How to Get the Most Out of Your Museum Experience

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You have entered a museum, you are going to see artwork done by one of your favorite artists. You have been waiting for months. Your heart is beating with excitement as you enter the building - but wait - you start to wander. You start to questions yourself, "is this the right place?" You start to sweat and get anxious. You are now uncomfortable, sticky, and hot. You finally get into the right room, but now you are too disgruntled to focus. You zip through the exhibit, you have barely seen anything. You have become too anxious and need to leave. You have lost your chance to successfully enjoy your visit.

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If you have ever been to a museum and been so baffled and overwhelmed by the environment, people, and artwork, then you haven't prepared yourself enough. The colors and the organizational system of a museum can be confusing. This confusion can cause you to not get the full potential of enjoyment out of your visit. Therefore, this handy set of instructions will help you to successfully get the most out of your museum experience.

1. Research

  • Use your computer or mobile device to check out the museums near your location.
  • Browse through your chosen museum's exhibits: Google is recommended for this task.
  • Read the exhibit description on the museum's website.
  • Google information on the artists featured in the exhibit. Knowing this information will help you to be prepared and confident for your experience.

2. Entrance

  • Some museums might have multiple entrances; however they always have a main entrance. You can insure yourself that you are entering the proper one by entering the one with the address shown on their website. You can also check the address of the main entrance on Google Maps.
  • Walk into the museum or gallery confidently, but politely.
  • Hold the door opened for the elderly.
  • Use your 'inside' quiet voice. This includes whispering or just speaking in hushed tones.
  • Turn off your mobile devices or put them on silent once you enter the building.
  • Walk straight to the receptionist located at the entrance of the museum.
  • Ask the receptionist where the exhibit you wish to visit is located.
  • If it is winter ask whether there is a coat check. You will feel much more comfortable if you are not sweaty.

3. Viewing

  • Approach the nearest of the art pieces when you enter the room.
  • WARNING: do not touch the pieces. Doing so would result in you being removed from the exhibit.
  • Look at it from a distance of at least 10 feet.
  • Look at it close up. This can be as close as you are allowed to get without touching the piece
  • WARNING: Some pieces may have a line on the floor indicating that you are not allowed to approach the piece any closer than that line.
  • Read the description plaque beside the art piece. Sometimes this plaque will be in a type of metal like gold or brass, and sometimes it can be in paper. They will be attached to the wall beside the piece or in close proximity to the piece.
  • Look at it again from a distance of at least 10 feet.
  • Look at it in depth for a good length of at least 1 minute. However, looking for a longer amount of time is recommended and varies in time between individuals and art pieces.
  • Ponder deep thoughts about the work.
  • Repeat this process with each piece.
  • As you move around the room move in a logical fashion, such as clockwise or counter clockwise. This way it is guaranteed that you will be able to see all of the works in the exhibit.

4. Leaving

  • Before you leave the gallery collect your coat.
  • Thank the receptionist.
  • Exit the gallery.
  • Enjoy the rest of your day pondering on the meaning of life and art.

Now you know the steps on how to get the most out of your museum visit experience. You do not have to be anxious anymore. You can visit museums with the confidence of a professional. You can now enjoy the exhibit that you have been looking forward to. Enjoy your visit.

5 Comments

What a cool idea! Perfect for Montreal!

Again your comic is fantastic! I really like that old guy who is wearing an eye patch (or I think he is at least). I'm going to follow your instructions next time I visit a museum

Very handy instructions set indeed! I myself find it too overwhelming at times to navigate through a gallery. You just don't know where to look! I totally related to this and I'm definitely going to apply what I've read here next time I visit an exhibit! Good job :)

Nice spacing and separation of the different points. A very handy set of instructions for any type of Museum goer.

Nice visuals. Great introduction, you built up anticipation. Nice conclusion.

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