What is the future of museums? A Reflection from the 2021 American Alliance of Museums Annual Meeting
What is the future of museums? A Reflection from the 2021 American Alliance of Museums Annual Meeting
July 1, 2021 by Taylor Studios
A few weeks ago, I attended the American Alliance of Museums
(AMA) Annual Conference. One session prompted us to think about what the future
of museums is and where they are headed. This was a great question because it
was so open-ended. What is the future of museums? How does it relate to
exhibits, staff, funding, visitor experience, technology, diversity, and
inclusion? The list goes on and on. My discussion group focused on the ideas of
flexibility and community.
One of the biggest lessons we’ve all learned over the past
year and a half is the importance of flexibility. Offices are often no longer a
requirement, and people want more flexible schedules. This concept is relevant
for museums as well. My group discussed how the museum does not have to stay
within four walls. Over the past few years, museums have been shifting in
identity from institutions that hold facts and objects to places where
communities can come to build connections—with stories and one another. The
museum as a concept can be anywhere. It can be outside on the streets or in a
park. It can be on the web or an app. It can be through people and programs. With
thoughtful planning, sharing stories and building connections can happen
anywhere. By thinking of museums as a concept, instead of as a physical
building, we open up the museum to more people. They can encounter the museum
experience where their everyday life is already taking them.
The other thought we pondered was the concept of permanent
exhibits and how more flexible, community-driven exhibits create more
engagement. Exhibitions that ask visitors for their input and quickly evolve to
integrate visitors’ suggestions and stories are more vibrant than a static,
permanent display. By changing often, museums can share multiple perspectives
on a topic, story, or object. Embracing flexibility on a large and small scale
benefits museums and contributes to the community building they seek to accomplish.
Although we only had 15 minutes to discuss these concepts, I
kept thinking about the future of museums long after the session ended. I’m
sure all the other groups had different conversations, each with valuable ideas
to keep in mind. To keep the conversation going, I want to share our prompt with
you. What is the future of your museum, interpretive site, or cultural
institution? Brainstorm with your staff and share your ideas with others!