There are still a few more weeks until you have to go back to school, and if you’re not sunning on a far-off island like me (just kidding!) then I recommend using your time off to visit a museum. They’re not just for Montessori field trips!
You can probably guess that art museums are my favorite to spend a day in, but there is inspiration to be found no matter where you go! Here are 10 reasons I think everyone—not just students or Montessori teachers—should visit a museum this summer.
1. They’re fun!
Believe it or not, museums can be fun! I personally think they’re a really enjoyable way to spend a day. Don’t be fooled into thinking a history, science, or even art museum will be boring; even a museum that focuses on a “boring” subject can have fascinating exhibits you’ll want to spend hours in. Plus, think of all the unique and unusual museums around the country; there’s the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia in California, UFO Museum & Research Center in New Mexico, Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts—there’s even a Museum of Weird in Austin! If you explore your options, I guarantee you’ll have a fun time exploring and learning!
2. It’s a chance to support the arts.
One of the best ways to ensure museums stay in business is by keeping them in business! The more we patronize museums, the more we show the next generation how important they are. I probably don’t need to tell you that art programs are being eliminated in schools all around the country, and kids need a way to be exposed to the arts. (By the way, another great way to introduce kids to art is by bringing art lessons into your classroom! Click here to learn how.)
3. Hello, staycation!
When you travel, you probably visit a few museums, right? How often do you seek out the ones in your neighborhood though? Checking out a museum where you live can make you feel like you’re on a mini vacation.
4. Find some peace and quiet—while enjoying some AC.
Usually, quietness is encouraged at museums. They offer a relaxing (and cool) atmosphere to decompress when life gets stressful. You can practice mindfulness while staring at paintings and contemplating their meanings.
5. Get inspired!
The word “muse” is a part of “museum” for a reason—they’re places of inspiration! Visiting a museum can get your creative juices flowing. Viewing the work of artists and innovators can stimulate new ideas and stir your imagination.
6. Gain new perspectives and open your mind.
Museums are created to be learning environments. They provide in-depth information on their subject and give you the tools to form your own experiences based on what you learn. In walking through the different exhibits, you might be prompted to change your perspective. Maybe you’ll learn something new about a historical event or gain insight to put yourself in an artist’s shoes, and see things in a new light.
7. Network with like-minded people.
Many museums host lectures and networking events for guests to meet and mingle. Going to one of these can give you the opportunity to meet like-minded people while learning about something you love and having a fun night out.
8. It’s a new experience you’ll feel better about.
Did you know that experiences—not material things—make you happier? There have been loads of scientific studies that support this; apparently, this happens because experiences provide positive personal reinterpretations over time, so you relive the positive experience (forgetting any negative parts) over and over again. So, why not make yourself feel happy with a museum experience? It’ll make you happier in the long run. 🙂
9. They can help you become a better teacher.
If you find an awesome museum on your own, think of how excited your students will be to visit once school starts! What’s more, it can give you inspiration for your lessons. A science museum may provide you with new information you can add to the Great Lessons, a history museum can give you new insight on past events, and an art museum might spark some new ideas for art projects in your classroom!
10. Museums support cultural appreciation.
One of the most important things about supporting art literacy is its connection to social, historical, and cultural contexts. Museums give you tools like artifacts, exhibits, and stories to learn from. Imagine the new exciting ways you can relate cultural stories to your students and make learning across different subjects fun and engaging. You might even get some ideas for your classroom inspiration gallery. Just recently, I found a Native American Museum here in San Diego, and I’m so excited to visit and come up with new art lessons for this coming fall. I’m planning my visit next week!
How to Find a Museum in Your Area & Make a Day of It
You might know of the larger museums in your area—for example, San Diego has Balboa Park, which is home to 17 different museums—but there are always a few unexpected ones that might spark your interest. Museums USA helps you find museums in your area (if you live in the United States); it even shares upcoming events. As you look for museums, research free entry days! Most metropolitan cities offer free museum days throughout the year.
Some cities have historical preservation societies which support all the museums around them. Your local library will have a list of museums in your area, so you can look them up based on your interest: science, national/historical, animal, botanical, nature, insect, or specialty collections.
(If you can’t make it out to a local museum, then grab some iced coffee and visit one online from your own home; some museums offer virtual tours!)
I wrote a blog post last year about how to take your students to a museum (without them getting bored or you getting stressed). But this museum trip is all about you. So, how do you plan a trip for yourself?
I recommend setting aside at least two hours. Depending on your mood, you might want to head out alone or invite a friend to join you. Once you find the museum that tickles your fancy, get your ticket (you’ll sometimes find deals online if you purchase your ticket in advance). When you get there, check out a museum map, and look for exhibits that you find intriguing, and don’t feel guilty for skipping exhibits you have no interest in. Make a day out of it and stop by the museum’s cafe (some might even have a bar), and reflect on all the cool, interesting, exciting things you’ve seen.
Most large museums have teacher education programs that are worth attending. You can also take a docent tour; they’ll walk you through the exhibits and share their knowledge. If you like hearing behind-the-scenes type stories, or if you’re a more auditory learner, this might make your museum trip engaging.
I do frequent museums throughout the year, but it’s not only because I’m artful, I also learn so much! I enjoy the education department programming offered to teachers. Sometimes teachers ask me what I should be look at in museums or learn. Well the education programs are wonderful in teaching you as a teacher how to view art, and how to use art language with your students, and what signifaces of each collection and why it’s important for humanity to understand. There filled with tons of literature you can use as a tool.
Hooked on Art, Yet? Bring It Into Your Classroom with This Special Summer Discount!
As a teacher, your education never stops, and I celebrate all that you do to teach and inspire young minds. That’s why I’m offering a special summer discount on my new online course Art Teaching Blueprint. It’s composed of seven lectures designed to teach you how kids learn art and help you start your own art program in your classroom. Want the discount plus a few very special bonuses? Email me at SpramaniElaun@gmail.com with the subject line: Montessori teacher summer enrollment special!
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