How Every Museum Can Be More Like a Children's Museum

As I head off to the InterActivity Conference this week, I’ve been thinking about how traditionally hands-off museums can learn valuable lessons from their Children's Museum counterparts. While most cultural institutions strive to educate and inspire, Children's Museums have mastered the art of making learning an immersive, hands-on adventure that visitors actually *want* to experience. 

Here's how different types of cultural institutions can channel some of that same Children’s Museum mojo:

Art Museums: Let Visitors Create, Not Just Contemplate

Art Museums traditionally rely on the "look but don't touch" approach, but they could also: 

• Create "inspiration stations" near notable works where visitors can try artistic techniques.

• Offer "remix corners" where visitors can create their own versions of famous paintings.

Michelangelo didn't become an artist only by looking at sculptures—he also made them. Let your visitors create art, too!

Natural History Museums: Bring Those Dioramas to Life

Your taxidermied animals are looking a bit dusty. We know they're not real, so why pretend? Instead, why not:

• Transform static exhibits into sensory experiences (What does fossil or mummified evidence tell us about what a mammoth could have sounded or felt like? Let visitors find out!)

• Create "science detective” stations where visitors solve real-life ecological mysteries tied to the actual locations featured in the dioramas using scientific tools

History Museums: Let Visitors Step Into the Story

History museums often treat visitors as passive observers of the past rather than active participants. To change this:

• Create "decision points" where visitors face the same choices as historical figures.

• Design immersive environments that engage all senses (Yes, medieval towns did smell that bad!)

The Secret Sauce of Children’s Museums: Less Reading, More Doing

The magic of Children's Museums isn't just about bright colors or simpler content—it's about active engagement. Children's Museums transform visitors from passive observers into active participants -- creating meaningful experiences that stick with people long after they've left the building.

So go ahead—add that dress-up corner to your art gallery or install a wind tunnel into your history museum!

Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Free ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

If you enjoy the blog, you can help keep it free to read and free from ads by supporting ExhibiTricks through our PayPal "Tip Jar"

10 No-Cost (or Low-Cost) Ideas to Spark Change in Your Museum

Even when budgets are tight, museums can find creative ways to do more with less. 

In my consulting practice working with museums of all sizes, I’ve seen firsthand how small, creative changes can lead to BIG results.

Here are ten practical, budget-friendly ideas you can try today!

1. Repurpose Forgotten Spaces

Look for underused nooks, corners, or even hallways. These spaces can become micro-exhibit areas, quiet zones, selfie stations, or activity prompts.

Big Impact: New visitor experiences without new construction.

2. Collaborate with Local Artists or Students

Reach out to local schools, art centers, or makerspaces. Invite them to co-create a temporary exhibit or hands-on activity using materials they provide.

Big Impact: Builds community partnerships and fresh content.

3. Host “BYO” (Bring Your Own) Exhibit Nights

Invite visitors to bring objects related to a theme (e.g., toys, tools, family heirlooms) and share stories. Display items for a weekend pop-up exhibit.

Big Impact: Personal engagement and shared ownership of content.

4. Turn Staff Brainstorms into Public Tools

That whiteboard full of staff ideas? Turn it into a visitor feedback wall. Ask guests to vote, add to your questions, or share their ideas.

Big Impact: Deepens transparency and encourages co-creation.

5. Use Surveys to Crowdsource Ideas

Send a short visitor or member survey asking: “What would you love to see next?” Use responses to shape programs or themes.

Big Impact: Immediate relevance and increased audience investment.

6. Theme a Week with Minimal Materials

Pick a theme like “Time Travel,” “Nature in the City,” or “Color Explosion.” 

Decorate with paper, reuse existing props, and tweak one program to match.

Big Impact: High energy without high spending.

7. Create a Volunteer-Led Micro-Tour

Train a volunteer to lead a 10-minute “favorites” tour or storytelling session. 

Big Impact: More interaction, less staff time.

8. Share “Behind the Scenes” Content

Use your phone to shoot short clips: collections work, exhibit prep, staff stories. Post weekly on social media.

Big Impact: Authentic connection and free PR.

9. Revisit Past Exhibits with a Twist

Reuse elements from past exhibits, but reinterpret them through a new lens or visitor question.

Big Impact: Saves money while creating something “new.”

10. Offer Staff-Led “Pop-Up” Programs

Let staff create a surprise visitor activity—craft, challenge, trivia, etc. Keep it low-stakes and spontaneous.

Big Impact: Visitors love the surprise; staff feel empowered.

Want More Ideas?

I specialize in helping museums build internal capacity and generate fresh ideas, especially when resources are limited. 

Check out the FREE Resources Section of the POW! website.

Then contact me to learn how we can work together to spark change in your museum!

Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Free ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

If you enjoy the blog, you can help keep it free to read and free from ads by supporting ExhibiTricks through our PayPal "Tip Jar"

Narrative Struggle

I was struck by a recent interview with Bryan Stevenson on the radio show "On the Media."

In that interview, Mr. Stevenson characterized the government's recent attacks on museums, national parks, and allied cultural institutions as a "narrative struggle."

To paraphrase something said in the interview, "We want symbols of achievement and freedom, but not the complete stories behind them."

He went on to argue that the role of museums in narrative truth-telling outside the courts and government could help push for changes inside those halls of power.

It made me think of the powerful institutions created by Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama, for that exact purpose of narrative truth-telling.  (You can read a previous ExhibiTricks post about my impressions of the Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice here.)

In the end, the interview gave me hope and renewed purpose for my work, as well as for the work of colleagues in museums and other cultural institutions.

"Hopelessness is the enemy of Justice."    

~ Bryan Stevenson

Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Free ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

If you enjoy the blog, you can help keep it free to read and free from ads by supporting ExhibiTricks through our PayPal "Tip Jar"

My Brain For Rent

I've been thinking about how I can help museum folks, especially in the United States, weather this particular moment when cultural institutions of all types are being pressured to do more with less.

So I'm leaning into the notion of "My Brain for Rent" to create lower-cost, shorter-term opportunities to work together to come up with creative solutions to your current challenges.

With over 40 years in the field, I help museums of all sizes think bigger, do more with less, and build the internal capacity needed for long-term success. Whether you’re reimagining an exhibit, stretching a tight budget, or strengthening your team, I bring fresh ideas, strategic connections, and a no-nonsense approach to get things done.

I’ve worked with museums and cultural institutions around the world—large and small, established and emerging—to turn vision into reality. My approach blends deep industry knowledge with real-world practicality and a dash of creative mischief. If you’re looking for honest feedback, innovative thinking, and someone who can move projects from idea to implementation, you’ve come to the right place.

CONTACT ME to put my brain to work for you TODAY!

Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Free ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

If you enjoy the blog, you can help keep it free to read and free from ads by supporting ExhibiTricks through our PayPal "Tip Jar"

Sharing for Resistance

I do not want to underestimate the hateful attacks the current regime in Washington is directing towards cultural organizations and workers. Still, there is a strength in museums and libraries that can fuel resistance -- and that is SHARING.

It is understandable to feel hopeless at times in the face of the indiscriminate cruelty perpetuated by the rampaging DOGE-bags. You might ask yourself, "What can I do to push against this?"

Rather than facing these culture wars alone, maybe a more fruitful tack is to ask, "What can WE do?" and SHARE resources, ideas, community, and space.

RESOURCE SHARING: I recently gave a Prototyping Workshop at a conference and shared a link to the FREE resources on my website. These include articles, YouTube interviews, and exhibit ideas that can be used to help museum folks build internal capacity at their institutions.

IDEA SHARING: I love the "Creating the Future" website.  It's filled with realistic, actionable ideas for culture workers to push against the headwinds coming out of Washington. This week's post about "Budgeting from a Place of Strength" was filled with helpful (and hopeful!) suggestions.

COMMUNITY SHARING: After attending the recent Museum Association of New York (MANY) Conference, I felt hopeful and energized. I was hopeful that there are fellow museum professionals who are still working to provide meaningful experiences to the public, and I was energized by the spirit of sharing found when we come together in person.

SPACE SHARING: Museums can become true "Third Spaces" for the communities we serve. How can your museum's spaces help address these challenges?  

What helpful/hopeful ideas do YOU have to share?  

Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Free ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

If you enjoy the blog, you can help keep it free to read and free from ads by supporting ExhibiTricks through our PayPal "Tip Jar"

Cool Online Tool: European Word Translator

Here's a cool online tool that lets you enter individual words into a search box and then see a mapping of the translations shown on the corresponding countries around Europe.

Fun AND informative!

You can give it a try by clicking over to the European Word Translator website.

Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Free ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!

If you enjoy the blog, you can help keep it free to read and free from ads by supporting ExhibiTricks through our PayPal "Tip Jar"