There may be plenty of museums to be found in your city, and even in your local community, but they may not all guarantee a fun time. Some museums can give off an intimidating vibe, much like gargantuan Gothic churches around the world. For a lot of people, being inside these types of spaces often makes them feel like they must be prim, proper and quiet; if they are not, they risk getting scolded or sent out.
However, museums are not like churches or classrooms where you only sit patiently until the session ends. Museums are packed with stories, fascinating artifacts from bygone eras, and even images of what the future would be like.
Natural history museums, in particular, are spaces that give visitors an insight into the natural world. Here, you can find historical and up-to-date information on a plethora of topics, including flora, fauna, fungi, geology, climate, and even entire ecosystems.
There is something here for everyone, regardless of your age or interest. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time at a natural museum.
Devise a battle plan
The American Museum of Natural History is the biggest for its class. Going around this museum alone might take you days, if not weeks. If your time in the city is limited, you may want to create a strategy to make the most of your time, even if it is within a single museum.
Before you go, find out what’s on display. Some museums have websites and apps that you can check out to help you discover special exhibits, workshops, performances, programs, film showings, events, and many more.
It may also be worthwhile to know the layout of the museum, especially if you are traveling with other people or driving a car. The Emirates Soil Museum in Dubai, for example, provides wheelchair access, which makes it easier if a friend or relative with mobility issues will be coming with you. On the other hand, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington in London does not have on-site parking, so you may have to scour the outer streets early to get a good parking slot.
Pick your spots
Do away with the thought that you need to see everything to get your money’s worth. Major museums have plenty of exhibits and events going on to interest different age groups and types of patrons. Trying to check out every single space will make you run the risk of developing museum fatigue – and you don’t want that to happen.
Make a list of the exhibits you want to see or events you want to attend during your trip. Arrange the parts you want to see by floor. You wouldn’t want to exhaust yourself going up and down the stairs, escalator, or elevator all day, trying to check out the different exhibits.
Slow down and pick areas that you really want to visit so you can enjoy more of your trip. Most museums have a café or a spot where you can chill, refuel, and reflect on what you have seen so far. While refueling, you can listen to other people’s stories and you may even find out about an exhibit or event that you didn’t know about before.
Determine when you want to go
Museums are open most days, with weekends and major holidays being the busiest times. Visitors who are not fond of crowds and are flexible in terms of their itineraries are advised to avoid such days. If it’s your first time in the area, doing your research lets you know what to expect.
Entry fees for some museums can be expensive; doing your research beforehand prepares you and your wallet in case you are on a tight budget. Other than going during weekdays, there are other ways to get a good deal. For instance, some museums offer discounts if you purchase tickets online as a group or if you are buying a package.
Some museums give discounts for younger patrons. At the Natural History Museum in Sharjah, children under the age of 12 can enter for free while older students only need to pay 2 dirhams. Adults can take advantage of community days, adult-only evenings, pay-what-you-wish days and the like to get in for free or at heavily discounted rates.
Decide want you want to check out. Some museums have different ticket packages and prices, depending on what you want to see. At the Field Museum in Chicago, for instance, specific tickets include a 3D movie while others do not.
Do some pre-trip studying
Knowing a bit about the masterpieces or exhibits you want to check out makes observing them in person more thrilling. For example, seeing specimens preserved in spirits may not seem that fascinating at first, but perhaps knowing that they were from Charles Darwin’s collection makes the exhibition unique from the others you have seen before.
A trip to a natural history museum is more than a walking history lesson. It is an experience that you will be sure to cherish for years to come. Spending time to learn about what you can see and to plan which areas you want to spend time in can prepare your mind (and body) for what it has to offer.
AUTHOR BIO
Rasha El Saleh is the Conservation Education and Outreach Coordinator in the education team of Emirates Nature-WWF working on its programme, Connect with Nature. She leads the outreach and youth empowerment aspect in growing the Connect with Nature community within the UAE and providing opportunities for youth to lead in this community, in addition to supporting partnerships with vendors supporting and promoting active aspects of the programme.