It’s no secret that museums have struggled to attract visitors in recent years. With so many other forms of entertainment vying for our attention, it can be tough to convince people to spend their time and money on a visit to a museum.
But fear not, dear museum professionals! There are plenty of strategies you can employ to help boost your visitor numbers and keep your institution thriving. Here are just a few ideas:
1. Embrace technology
We live in an increasingly digital world, and museums need to adapt if they want to remain relevant. That means using technology like mobile apps, augmented reality exhibits, and social media marketing to reach new audiences.
For example, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has a mobile app that allows visitors to access audio guides, exhibition information, and even purchase tickets right from their phones. The Smithsonian American Art Museum has used augmented reality technology in its exhibitions to create interactive experiences for visitors.
And when it comes to social media marketing, there are plenty of creative ways museums can engage with potential visitors. For example, the British Museum created a Twitter hashtag called #MuseumBowl during the Super Bowl that encouraged people who weren’t interested in football to share photos of their favorite artifacts instead.
2. Offer unique experiences
One way museums can stand out from the crowd is by offering experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Think outside the box when it comes to programming – host events like sleepovers or cocktail parties within the galleries after hours or create interactive exhibits where visitors can touch objects and engage with history.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art hosted an event called “Send Me SFMOMA” where users could text them keywords or emojis and receive images of corresponding works from their collection via SMS message – talk about unique!
3. Partner with local businesses
Partnering with local businesses is another great way for museums to expand their reach beyond traditional museum-goers. Collaborate with nearby restaurants, bars, and hotels to offer package deals or discounts for visitors. Or host events like pop-up exhibitions in non-traditional spaces like coffee shops or bookstores.
The Brooklyn Museum has had great success with their “First Saturdays” program where they offer free admission and extended hours on the first Saturday of each month. They also partner with local businesses to offer discounts and promotions for visitors who show their museum ticket.
4. Prioritize accessibility
Making your museum accessible to everyone is not only the right thing to do – it’s also good business. Make sure your institution is physically accessible by providing ramps, elevators, and other accommodations as needed. Offer programs that cater to people with disabilities or sensory issues such as quiet hours or tactile exhibits.
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers a program called “Morning at the Museum” which allows families with children on the autism spectrum to visit before the museum opens to the public when it’s quieter and less overwhelming.
5. Focus on community outreach
Finally, don’t forget about your local community! Museums can be powerful tools for education and engagement within their communities if they make an effort to reach out beyond their walls. Host workshops, lectures, or film screenings that focus on topics relevant to your area or partner with schools and community organizations to bring programming directly into neighborhoods.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has a program called “Art + Film Lab” which brings filmmaking equipment and workshops directly into underserved communities throughout LA.
In conclusion…
While museums may face challenges in attracting visitors in today’s fast-paced world, there are plenty of strategies they can employ to stay relevant and engaging for audiences old and new alike. By embracing technology, offering unique experiences, partnering with local businesses, prioritizing accessibility, and focusing on community outreach – museums can continue playing an important role in our cultural landscape for years to come.