The Art Engager 8 ways to foster more wonder in museum experiences
Jun 26, 2025
Discover the magic of wonder in museums! Learn how wonder differs from awe and curiosity, and why it's vital for adult experiences. Explore various types of wonder—intellectual, sensory, and historical—revealing how childhood perceptions can fade over time. Uncover eight practical strategies to reawaken wonder, from encouraging a beginner's mind to sharing surprising micro-stories. Find out how to invite multiple perspectives and connect artifacts to personal narratives, creating richer, more meaningful museum experiences.
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Why Museums Are Ideal For Wonder
- Museums give permission to slow down and encounter the remarkable across time and cultures.
- Claire Bown argues educators reveal hidden stories that visitors might not discover alone.
Why Adults Lose Wonder
- Adults often lose wonder due to familiarity, pace, expectations, routine and stress.
- Claire Bown highlights these barriers as reasons educators need to reawaken wonder.
Pause For Slow Looking
- Do pause and invite slow looking by setting short timed moments for quiet observation.
- Claire Bown recommends 30 seconds to help participants notice deeper details that spark wonder.
