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. 

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

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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!

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