What experiences do visitors seek in museums and science centres? What experiences do museums and science centres encourage? This session is organized by Ecsite’s THE Group and focuses on visitors by looking into their experience from the perspectives of researcher and explainer. The two perspectives will present their viewpoints and encourage discussion about the visitors’ role in engagement and learning. The aim will be to open dialogue about research in principle versus how research is presented in practice. We will also question whether there is a dichotomy between researchers and practitioners – an area which often leads to rigid perceptions about responsibilities and competences.