If you are looking for ideas of fulfilling recreational activities, visiting museums should be at the top of your list. Think this is outdated as you can learn all you want by searching for info on the Internet?
You are wrong because when visiting a museum, you will be able to actually get close to and sometimes interact with a variety of fascinating items. You will also learn interesting stories about them and things they represent, which would be near impossible to find online if you don’t know exactly what to look for. You also shouldn’t underestimate the power of a good tour guide who might be able to ignite a passion for the subject in you, even if you’ve never been interested in it before.
4 Reasons to Visit Museums Wherever You Can
1. Young children learn better in museums (science-backed fact)
Numerous studies indicate that young children learn much better in a museum setting. That’s because they, in particular, react very well to learning through interaction and study of artifacts, immersive exhibitions, and dioramas provided by museums. In fact, children who explore such settings can learn a variety of subjects long before they reach this topic in class.
Most importantly, exposure to these artifacts and exhibits enables children to find what they are most interested in. That’s why it’s so important to provide your young learner with versatile museum experience. Take note of the child’s reaction to see which areas you should focus their academic studies in to help develop those interests.
2. Stories told in museums make more of an emotional impact
Everyone knows the famous phrase about how we need to learn history so we don’t repeat its mistakes. However, when was the last time you managed to stay awake reading a history textbook?
Only a few people are blessed with having a good enough history teacher who can get them interested in learning the subject. Museums, however, can fulfill this role for everyone. The difference is that instead of boring and dry dates and facts from a textbook, museums tell you stories and provide artifacts that make those stories real.
That’s why they invoke a strong emotional response that makes one want to change the world. If you want to test this, go see the exhibits in the Auschwitz museum. The horrors displayed there are a most powerful motivator for advocating peace and tolerance. Seeing those exhibits can make a difference between a passive person who doesn’t act against unlawful and inhumane actions started by governments and those who oppose propaganda and take action that helps avert disasters like the ones we learn from history lessons.
3. Visiting art museums makes you smarter
Another interesting study shows how going on a tour of an art museum can open your eyes to a variety of new knowledge and give you perspective on how to apply it. Simply put, being exposed to varied art with the help of a guided tour helps make you smarter and promotes both cultural tolerance and critical thinking skills.
Again, this study was conducted with various school student groups as subjects. However, it’s safe to assume that adults will be able to get all the same benefits. This means that there is no reason for you not to join your kid on a tour of every art museum you have access to.
4. Museums help you learn about uninteresting subjects in interesting ways
Set a challenge for yourself to visit a museum dedicated to something you have either no knowledge of or no interest in.
This way, you will be able to learn about the subject in a new way from people who are both knowledgeable and passionate about it. This visit might very well change your opinion on the topic. And even if it doesn’t, you’ll boost your erudition level.