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!