Managing Museums in the 21st Century

Course Description

"Managing Museums in the 21st Century" is an exciting and comprehensive course offered by the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, with support from USAID. This course is designed to provide a broad introduction to the multifaceted world of museum operations in the modern era. As museums continue to evolve and adapt to changing times, this course offers invaluable insights into the latest approaches and strategies for engaging visitors, both on-site and online.

What Students Will Learn

Students will gain a broad understanding of various aspects of museum management, including:

1. Exhibition design and interpretation techniques
2. Development and implementation of public programs
3. Effective use of social media and outreach strategies
4. Creative approaches to fundraising and revenue generation

Through real-world examples and case studies from the Smithsonian and My Armenia Program, students will learn practical approaches, tools, and techniques that can be applied in their own museum work.

Pre-requisites

This course is designed for individuals with varying levels of experience in the museum field. There are no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to both newcomers and experienced professionals looking to expand their knowledge.

Course Content

• Exhibition design and audience types
• Curation and narrative delivery in exhibitions
• Creating engaging museum labels
• Designing and implementing public programs (on-site and online)
• Utilizing social media for promotion and content delivery
• Creative approaches to fundraising and revenue generation
• Case studies from the Smithsonian and My Armenia Program

Who This Course Is For

• Early-career museum professionals
• Mid-career professionals looking to refresh their understanding of areas outside their core expertise
• Individuals interested in pursuing a career in museum management
• Museum enthusiasts who want to gain insider knowledge of museum operations

Real-World Application of Skills

The skills acquired in this course can be directly applied to various aspects of museum work, including:

• Improving visitor engagement through better exhibition design and interpretation
• Developing innovative public programs to attract new audiences
• Enhancing the museum's online presence and reach through social media strategies
• Implementing creative fundraising initiatives to support museum operations
• Adapting to the changing landscape of museum management in the 21st century

By mastering these skills, learners will be better equipped to contribute to the success and growth of museums in today's dynamic cultural landscape.

Syllabus Overview