Gef mér ráð fyrir

Yesterday three experts in American style children's museums came by to look at Vikingaheimar. They had all sorts of ideas of things I could do, ways to make space for kids activities, etc.

One of the ideas we batted around was whether or not each section of the exhibition should have something specifically kids-friendly. The upstairs already has that, but the downstairs does not.

There are really cheap, simple things a person can do to make a museum kid friendly. Put up a big piece of paper and ask the kids to draw a Viking ship. Put a big box full of dirt and let them dig for fake artifacts. Hang magnifying glasses next to cases, so kids are encouraged to look closely.

The problem is striking a balance. Because these things are cheap and simple, it can be tempting to go overboard with them. Plus even one or two of these threatens the ability of the museum to be taken as an authority on a subject, which is why children's activities are often confined to one space.

It is not as if we want to give the impression that the museum is only a place to play games and run around. It should also be a space for adults to be able to reflect on their own world and their own place in it, a place to think and interact with their friends and family.

Comments

Lissy said…
Just realized I neglected to explain the title. Ég gef mér ráð fyrir that there is always going to be things like this happening, as long as I'm here.
October 11, 2009 at 5:45 PM
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