Fast Co. article #7 by Susan Jarosak "Museums with a Mission" by Cheryl Dahle, issue #34

Have you ever wanted to reach out and touch something in a museum even though you knew that it's forbidden? I had that experience recently at the Louvre in Paris when I saw the marble statue of the Venus de Milo. The light from a nearby window illuminated the entire area as I stood in awe of this beautiful piece of art. I desperately wanted to put my hand on it--not just to feel the smooth cool marble, but to have a connection with something so exquisite and old.

Thank goodness for designer Ralph Appelbaum who is transforming museums and public spaces into interactive, engaging places. Appelbaum has not only designed several famous museums, he is challenging our assumptions about how we think about museums. According to Appelbaum, the purpose of a museum is not just to look at things, but to help us experience life and learning.

Appelbaum has a unique approach to creating these innovative places that challenge others' assumptions about sharing information. He believes that museums and public spaces should be places where we can ponder, think, and marvel. His approach is showing as well as telling and builds exhibits around the stories of what is being presented. For example, instead of just walking through room after room looking at displays on walls, he strives for "delivering a message by enacting it." One of his more famous designs, The Holocaust Museum, takes a really unique approach as they issue identity cards to visitors at the entrance so they may follow the fate of a survivor or a victim of the Holocaust. Now that's what I would call emotionally engaged learning.

Sharing information in this unique way reminds me of how important it is to try out new kinds of teaching methods. The new Science Museum of Minnesota is a good example of a place where innovative teaching methods intertwine with art. Museum goers can learn how tornadoes develop by creating their own one in a tall chamber. According to a recent newspaper article, the creators of this museum enlisted the work of several local artists instead of scientists to create "places of discovery." Their belief is that artists notice different things about nature and science that most people in that particular field do not.

I agree with Applebaum's belief that learning by doing or "delivering a message by enacting it"-- is oftentimes the best way. Reading this article made me think of new avenues for experiential education, especially when you think of the potential impact some of these exhibits can have on our lives. Applebaum refers to museums as an "ethical system" as they "present to society the things and ideas that we believe are worth valuing." This reference shows the power and influence they can have on our society. And if you ever get to see the Venus de Milo in person, don't say I didn't warn you.

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2000