SmithsonianX: Managing Museums in the 21st Century, a My Armenia Program series

This course provides a broad introduction to various aspects of operating a museum. This course is not intended to serve as a primer for managing a museum, but rather as a resource for thinking about different approaches to museum operations and activities as shared by a number of diverse Smithsonian professionals. Parts of this course were developed for the My Armenia Program, a collaborative program of the people of Armenia, USAID, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Managing Museums in the 21st Century

Offered by the Smithsonian Institution, with support from USAID

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:

Exhibition design and interpretation techniques
Development and implementation of public programs
Effective use of social media and outreach strategies
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

While a detailed syllabus is not provided, the course is structured into four main sections:

Exhibition Design and Interpretation
Public Programs
Social Media and Outreach
Fundraising

Each section is designed to provide in-depth information, perspective, and opportunities for reflection that can be applied to real-world museum work.