Art is an essential stitch in the quilt of humanity. Without it, we would have no way to express the feelings, ideas and musings that make us human. Art museums are a fantastic way to access art from both historical and current times. Take a trip soon and try out these five tips to get the most out of your art museum visit!
Turn on Some TunesÂ
Everything’s better with music! Bring along some headphones and cue up a good playlist to listen to while you peruse the art. Jazz music and ambient music are great for accompanying a museum trip. Pro Tip: Sometimes museums will offer playlists that are available on streaming platforms. Search the museum or exhibit name to find music that fits perfectly.
Write It DownÂ
Art museums are filled to the brim with endless inspiration. Make sure you have a notebook and a writing utensil to record all the thoughts, feelings and ideas that the art ignites. Don’t be afraid to take a seat on a bench and jot your thoughts down before moving to the next exhibit.Â
Look Before You Read
Art is subjective. Each piece of artwork holds different meanings for different individuals. One of the best ways to formulate your own, unbiased opinion about the works you’re viewing is to look before you read. Pause for a moment to really take in the entirety of the art work. What do you see? What mediums did the artist use? Does it tell a story? What feelings does this work spark? After you’ve taken a few minutes, go ahead and read the description next to the piece. How does this change your perception?Â
Take Pictures
Capture the moment! Take pictures of the art that inspires you most so you can visit it again on another day. Art changes as you change. Look at the pictures you take a few weeks after your visit and see if the meaning has shifted in any way. Just be sure that you don’t use flash when taking pictures so you don’t damage the art!Â
You Can’t See It All
Remember, you won’t be able to see everything in one visit. Take your time and don’t stress about seeing every artwork. Quality outweighs quantity and you can always take another visit.Â
