Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Don’T Touch! Examining The Role Of Hands-On Children’S Programs In Museums, Kristin Brisbois

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Until the 20th century, museums were designed mainly for scholars to conduct research on rare and endangered objects. In the past few decades, museums have broadened their outreach to the general public to include people of all ages and demographics. Many museums now offer children’s programs that include hands-on activities as a way to stimulate a love for learning in a more relaxed and independent fashion. At two institutions targeting the same demographic, the Los Angeles Zoo and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art [LACMA], children are able to learn about endangered animals and rare works of art through …