Museums are genuinely one of my favorite places to spend a day. They’re more than just houses of art, history, and culture. It might sound a little corny, but museums are windows into the past, present, and future of our collective society. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, a science fan, or simply seeking a particularly intellectually stimulating experience, museums offer something for everyone.
Here are a handful of reasons to make it a point to visit a museum soon:
Artistic Inspiration: Art museums, in particular, provide a sanctuary for creativity. The pieces on display inspire and challenge our own artistic sensibilities (yes, I cried at the Van Gogh exhibit I visited last year). Whether it’s a classical painting, like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, a sculpture, or a contemporary installation, like any on this fantastic list, art museums offer a diverse array of creative expressions.
Educational Value: Museums are living classrooms. I appreciate that fact a lot more as an adult than I ever did as a kid. They offer hands-on learning experiences that appeal to all age groups; educational programs, interactive displays, and guided tours make complex topics like science, technology, and history engaging, and most importantly, accessible.
Cognitive Stimulation: A visit to a museum engages your mind in its own unique way. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Observing and interpreting artwork or historical artifacts is proven to stimulate intellectual growth! As we see a decline in readership and the critical thinking skills that we gain from that, this is so important, now more than ever.
Community and Connection: Lonely. That’s how many of us would describe the pandemic. But as the landscape of Covid changes, we’re able to get back out in the world in ways we haven’t in the last few years. To this point, museums have a unique ability to serve as community hubs – hosting events, lectures, and workshops. They bring people together, fostering a sense of connection and shared cultural identity.
Appreciation for Diversity: Diversity is something meant to be celebrated, and museums do just that by showcasing different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. They promote tolerance and understanding by highlighting the beauty of our global melting pot, and how there is beauty everywhere you look, if you choose to see it.
Escape from Digital Overload: If you’re anything like me, your brain hurts at the end of the day. Your eyes hurt, your back hurts. All that from sitting at a computer. There are some days where I can’t even look at my phone without that weird simmering resentment toward technology. In an age dominated by screens and digital devices, museums offer a refreshing break. They provide an opportunity to unplug, immerse yourself in the physical world, and connect with the tangible.
So get out of the house. Grab some lunch, look at some art, go touch the dinosaurs at your local natural history museum. You won’t regret it.