The Museum Experience

What makes a good experience in a museum? Is it seeing a special exhibit that you've been planning to see for weeks in advance? Is it seeing something unexpected or new? Or is it viewing the work of an artist you have studied before and you become reacquainted with an old friend? I had the opportunity to visit two, yes TWO art museums in one weekend, and let me tell you, each experience was unique in many ways- so I thought why not pass along what insights I've gained into the making of a great experience in an art museum. 

Flint Institute of Arts:
 Me under/in an old Medieval/Renaissance Fireplace
Have fun with your visit, document when possible!

Examine works closely, consider all angles!

          The two museums that I visited with some friends were the Flint Institute of the Arts and the Detroit Institute of Art. They are very different in size, as one is a university museum and the other is a large city institution, so the number of visitors each had also differed, I'm sure you can guess which had more! I did go with two friends who are also art obsessed, which helped to create positive engaging visits since we could bounce feelings, thoughts, and questions off one another. One thing I did very little of before my visits was research on the collections/exhibitions. Sometimes I make a museum visit because of a particular show that they have or because I know they have certain objects in their collection, but in this case my visit was decided because I was in the area and it was a convenient weekend to go. 

Museum Selfies are important!

In my time as a museum go-er, there are a few things you must consider as you begin your visit. Do you have to do every single suggestion on the list, no. But you owe it to yourself to participate in your visit, it is the only way you can 'get' anything out of your visit. What if you don't want to get anything out of the visit, what if you just want to look, walk and enjoy the environment? Well you can do that too, but at least consider these tips for having a fun day at the art museum! DISCLAIMER: Everyone is an individual and therefore their experience depends on their own likes and dislikes. I happen to love going to museums, art or otherwise, so my experience is unique and yours will be too!

1. What is your limit? In other words, know how long it takes before you reach the point where you can't stand another minute or you need to put food in your tummy. Also, consider whether you will dine in the museum at their cafe or if you have to find food once you leave. This always drastically effects my experience in the galleries.

2. Talk to the people you are going with, find out what they want to see, what you want to see and what you both can do without to maximize your experience without minimizing your enjoyment.

3. Ask questions! Whether you are in conversation with yourself, a gallery guard, or your friend- talk about what you are seeing. Figure out why you like it or don't like it! Don't just walk by say eh and be done with it.

4. Look. This takes more than 3 seconds. Let your eye glide over the work of art, consider the text that is written if you like, look at the fine details. Examine all possible views or angles! In other words, really see the work of art rather than just notice it and continue walking.

5. If you enjoy a work of art- get excited by it! If it is something you are surprised to see or find it particularly pleasing to the eye- let someone know. Appreciating art and having an experience with it doesn't have to be an internal process that you keep to yourself. One of the most contagious things in an art museum is people getting excited about art!

6. Take notes! If there is a piece that has you intrigue and you want to know more, write down the title and name of the artist. Your learning doesn't have to end when you leave the museum, find out more when you go home.

Expect the unexpected!
Get excited when you see something cool!

Art Appreciation at its finest!

Become an artist yourself!
 If photos are allowed, take them-
they will create lasting memories!

Go with friends who challenge you and your views on art-
it will be highly rewarding!

The experience you may have in a museum is one that has been thought out, planned, and hoped for by many museum professionals, but the experience only exists once you take part. So, within this post are some helpful hints, tips, and examples of how to make the most out of your trip to an art museum. Take them or leave them, but know this,  these museums I visited were very different in size, type of collection, location, etcetera, and the experience I had in each was very different, but in the end they were exciting, fulfilling and inspiring visits. Does this happen for me every time I visit an art museum? No. But do I leave seeing the world a little bit differently than I did before? Sure. I leave with more knowledge, more curiosity, and a greater sense of where I stand in the world I live in.  Seems like no matter what, I get out of a visit what I put into it.

Ahh Monet, how I love thee! So far I have seen 38!