We argue that the art museum can and should be a place of philosophical exploration. It can be such a place because philosophy and art have important similarities. They both ask us to adopt a non-instrumental, contemplative attitude toward the world that allows us to widen our personal viewpoint and explore the complex nature of things. To…

The aquatic husbandry field, historically dominated by White males, is a unique amalgamation of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) disciplines. This article presents insights from one of the few aquatic husbandry Managers of Color, who also co-founded Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Science (MIAZS) to address racial disparities…

The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a serious issue that threatens many species worldwide. Zoos and aquariums are in a prime position to educate visitors about this issue and work to reduce the impact of IWT. This article describes the work of four zoos across the United States that tested different ways to engage with visitors and broader…

Educators play a key role in facilitating interactive learning experiences in informal science education settings, such as science centers and museums. Despite their importance, research around facilitation has generally focused on visitor impacts and not the strategies used by the educators themselves. The "ChemAttitudes" project…

Informal learning leading to collective action around climate change continues to be controversial and piecemeal. Given the positionality of museums as public-facing institutions that address topics of social, scientific, and historical significance, we argue that the museum should be a key convener of discussions around climate change. Utilizing…

What is the connection between environmental identity and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA+) work? The authors explore the intricate connection between these concepts and how aquaria are utilizing environmental identities to motivate pro-environmental behaviors in all museum visitors, including the identities of emerging…

Informal learning experiences can provide valuable visitor-to-staff interactions that require skilled staff--often volunteers--to adjust to the needs of each visitor group. These experiences are often less regimented to provide increased flexibility for both the museum and the volunteer, allowing for more diversity of volunteer support. This…

Art has the power to activate learning and emotion in unique ways--this is true of humans generally, and museum visitors specifically. Yet art galleries are often overlooked in the museum field as forums for dialogue and sites of learning about climate change. This article investigates the significance of artist-led projects and art museum…

Out of all the different types of groups that visit history museums, families are the most frequent visitors to museums in China. Just like the "Dawn of Civilization" exhibit at the Jilin Provincial Museum, most permanent exhibits do not pay enough attention to families' needs (particularly the need for learning), nor do they encourage…

At the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, an annual art exhibition with no ties to science content provides an opportunity to explore how juxtaposing an art gallery experience within a science museum could impact audience engagement with science thereafter. Prior evidence suggests that art gallery-based workshops have value for science…

Homeless families are a vulnerable population not often engaged with directly by science centers. In 2019, the Museum of Life and Science formalized and strengthened a partnership with Families Moving Forward, the largest temporary homeless shelter serving families in Durham County, North Carolina. This partnership aimed to engage families in a…

Partnerships are crucial for museums to reach new audiences, expand their approach, and simply survive in these uncertain times. While practices for effective partnerships between large museums and other institutions are well-documented, the needs of small museums pursuing partnership are less studied. To understand the specific needs of partners,…

Informal education and outreach can be highly effective at shifting public opinion and action on climate change, particularly in rural areas where climate change may be avoided in regular school curricula. Small and mid-sized museums in more rural areas can serve as important sources of climate change content, even when they are not primarily…

Nearly every student today is coming into informal education programs with some form of trauma. This is especially true as we examine the long-lasting impacts of climate change, the pandemic, and identity-based prejudice on children. In response, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has undertaken a transformative journey in its education programs. This…

The authors will discuss how all cultural institutions can benefit from a top-notch virtual learning program in terms of outreach, diversity, and promotion of collection. We'll provide ways to maintain an outstanding virtual program, and discuss data collected from museum educators from a wide range of diverse cultural centers to discuss the…