October 24, 2024 / News & Blog
Museums today are at a crossroads, evolving from places where history is preserved into dynamic spaces that foster learning, spark creativity, and build community. They have become essential hubs of education and engagement, particularly for underserved populations. But the journey of transformation for these institutions is not without challenges. In the most recent episode of Empowering Young Minds, Laura Huerta Migus, Deputy Director for Museum Services at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), explored the current state of the museum field, the challenges museums face, and their role in shaping a brighter future for communities around the world. Her insights shine a light on the vital work museums do and the strategies they need to adopt in order to thrive in an ever-changing world.
At the heart of Laura and Arthur’s conversation is the recognition that museums are no longer just buildings filled with artifacts. As Laura notes, they are dynamic institutions that play a pivotal role in the educational and cultural fabric of society. These spaces offer much more than a window into the past; they provide essential services that help foster curiosity, inspire creativity, and encourage learning.
Children’s museums, in particular, have been pioneers in shaping the visitor experience. These institutions encourage children to interact with their surroundings in ways that are both educational and fun, breaking down barriers to learning by making it hands-on and accessible. But there’s a gap that many institutions face—between delivering inspiring programs and managing the operational demands that sustain these spaces. One of the key points that Laura raises is that, while many museums excel at creating community-focused programs, they often struggle to manage their operational needs effectively. This reality is not new, but it’s become more pressing in today’s complex landscape.
There is a growing list of challenges that museums face today, ranging from funding shortages to dealing with natural disasters, demographic changes, security threats, and even political tensions. The museum sector, like so many others, was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced closures and led to a drastic reduction in visitor numbers. While some institutions have since reopened, many are still struggling to return to pre-pandemic attendance levels.
Additionally, as Laura explains, the philanthropic landscape has shifted dramatically. Museums can no longer rely solely on traditional sources of revenue, such as donations or ticket sales, to keep their doors open. They must now think more strategically about sustainability and innovation. This means moving away from short-term fixes and instead developing long-term business models that support both their educational mission and their financial needs.
Beyond financial struggles, museums are also grappling with societal and political changes. Laura points to several incidents where museums have faced bomb threats, digital disruptions, or have been caught up in the so-called “culture wars” over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In certain areas, even mentioning DEI can provoke controversy, and this has put additional strain on institutions trying to navigate an increasingly polarized environment.
Despite these daunting obstacles, Laura and Arthur are optimistic about the potential of museums to emerge stronger and more resilient. Museums have always been adaptive, and now, more than ever, they are being called upon to rethink their operations and their role in the community.
Museums for All— an initiative that highlights the power of accessibility in creating lasting community impact. Launched in 2014, Museums for All was designed to make museums more accessible to low-income families, allowing them to visit participating institutions either for free or for a small fee. The program has been a tremendous success, with millions of visits facilitated and over a thousand museums participating across the United States.
This initiative is a prime example of how museums can redefine themselves in the public eye, moving away from being perceived as elitist spaces and toward being inclusive community hubs. Laura emphasizes that the program didn’t come from a top-down directive; it was born out of the needs and feedback from the field itself. This grassroots-driven approach reflects a growing recognition that museums need to engage with the communities they serve, rather than simply providing content in a one-sided way.
The Museums for All initiative is more than just a ticketing program. It challenges long-held assumptions about who museums are for, helping to break down barriers of class and education. As Laura explains, children’s museums have long been at the forefront of this shift. They were among the first to create spaces where all children, regardless of their background, could learn through play and hands-on engagement. Museums for All takes this concept further, helping museums across the country reimagine their relationships with the communities they serve.
Leadership plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the modern museum landscape. Laura’s insights on this topic are both practical and inspiring. She acknowledges that, for many years, museums have focused heavily on developing and delivering content, often without paying enough attention to the business side of things. But the pandemic has forced a reckoning. Museums now have to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, balancing their roles as educational institutions with the realities of running a complex business.
This is particularly challenging for smaller institutions, many of which lack the financial and operational resources of larger museums. However, the field is starting to see a shift, with more leaders recognizing the need to strengthen their organizational infrastructures. Laura noted that the current moment represents a period of growth—a shedding of old ways of thinking in favor of new strategies that will ensure museums’ long-term sustainability.
One project that highlights this shift is the Museum Lab for Museum Professionals, a collaborative effort between the Association of Children’s Museums and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. This initiative aims to provide museum professionals with the training and tools they need to adapt to today’s challenges. By investing in professional development, museums are preparing their staff not just to survive in the current climate but to thrive.
Museums are at a turning point. They are evolving into dynamic, inclusive spaces that foster learning, creativity, and community engagement. But they need the support of their communities to continue this important work.
Whether you’re a regular museum-goer or someone who hasn’t visited a museum in years, now is the time to reconnect with your local museum. Not only do these institutions offer enriching experiences, but they also provide essential services to their communities, helping to bridge gaps in education, equity, and access.
So, the next time you’re looking for a place to explore, learn, or simply enjoy some time with family, consider visiting a museum. Support the programs that make museums more accessible, like Museums for All, and advocate for the continued funding and sustainability of these vital spaces.
To hear more about how museums are transforming communities and navigating today’s challenges, listen to the full podcast episode here.
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Empowering Young Minds, the Association of Children’s Museum Podcast is available on all major listening platforms, including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
