(R)evolution! Give natural history museums back to grown-ups!
Find this session's presentations here.
Museums were originally meant to be places of inspiration, literally the ‘seat of the Muses’. In the course of time natural history museums (NHMs) have turned away from an adult audience to focus on children: in the 21st-century, interpretation NHMs often function as providers of kid-oriented entertainment. Claims like “we reach out to the generation of tomorrow” are a common litany in the field these days. But why only to target the generation of tomorrow, if the important decisions about the future of our planet are being made today?
Time to evolve?
A trend has started: Berlin, London, Chicago – some international NHMs have redefined their concepts and strategies recently and shifted the focus from children to an adult audience. Is this the start of a (r)evolution?
This session sheds light on this phenomenon and speakers will present their strategy and exhibition concepts, give insights into the underpinning ideas and anticipated goals and share their first experiences, successes and pitfalls, before engaging in an active discussion with the audience.
Facilitator
Curator, Exhibitions and Knowledge Transfer
Session speakers
Head of Exhibitions, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN)
As a member of the management board, Uwe Moldrzyk is part of the strategical planning at MfN. The Museum für Naturkunde has shiftet towards single adults as main target group back in 2007. This talk presents experiences and how the whole institution has benefitted from this shift.
Ray DeThorn, Field Museum
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), The Field Museum
As CMO, Ray DeThorne works with the Museum’s communications, exhibitions, and guest relations staff to transform the visitor experience to a more personal and interactive journey of scientific discovery, drive revenue growth and tell the story of the Museum its scientists and its collections in a compelling manner.
Additionally, Journalist Brian Switek has been asked to add another perspective on this topic:
https://aeon.co/ideas/give-natural-history-museums-back-to-the-grown-ups
Exhibitions and Interpretation Manager
The Natural History Museum
Exhibitions and Interpretation Manager, NHM London
Raphael is developing temporary exhibitions and responsible for the next upcoming adult-focussed exhibition at NHM. He is also a member of Ecsite's editorial board.
