As the world is breaking down due to the COVID-19 crisis, the museum industry is not left unscathed and has had to adapt to the drastic changes. Museums and cultural institutions have closed their doors to the public, and due to social distancing, many can no longer offer the same in-person educational programs. The pandemic has created a massive challenge for museums, many of which rely on visitors to fund their operations. However, with a little innovation and creativity, museums are successfully adapting to the pandemic. In this blog post, let’s learn about the ways museums are adapting their education and programming efforts in the age of COVID-19.

Virtual Exhibits and Tours

In the past, museums have occasionally created virtual exhibitions and offered virtual tours for remote visitors. However, with the pandemic shutting down in-person events, museums have had to rely more on virtual offerings. Many institutions have invested in creating immersive, online experiences, and leveraging social media to reach a broader audience. Nowadays, visitors can safely explore museum exhibits from their homes, which is excellent for people who may not have been able to visit the museum before.

A screenshot of a virtual exhibit with large text "Click to enter".

Digital Education Programs

As in-person workshops and lectures have become impossible to conduct, museums have shifted their focus to digital education programs. Institutions are now offering online learning experiences such as webinars, workshops, and virtual classes. In some cases, teachers and students can now attend museum education programs remotely, making it easier for museums to reach a broader audience than ever before. Digital education programs also make it more convenient for visitors to participate in museum activities without the need to travel or leave their homes.

A group of students listening to a lecture being presented online.

Increased Social Media Presence

Museums are using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to continue connecting with their audience and promote their online offerings. Institutions are now using social media to feature artifacts, share fun facts, give behind-the-scenes tours, and host live events. This increased engagement with social media platforms has made it easier for museums to strengthen their brand and expand their outreach efforts.

A screenshot of the Instagram page of a museum with a post of a featured artifact and caption talking about its background.

Increased Access for People with Disabilities

With digital offerings and virtual experiences, museums are now more accessible to people with disabilities. A virtual tour does not have the physical restrictions of a physical museum, and digital programs can ensure that people with disabilities can participate in workshops and lectures with accommodations. Being inclusive and providing access to all individuals, regardless of physical ability, enhances museums’ relevance and increases their potential audience.

A photo of a person using a hearing aid listening to an online lecture, showing increased access for those with disabilities.

Hybrid In-Person and Online Programming

As governments work towards the reopening of cultural institutions, museums are adopting a hybrid model of in-person and online programming. This approach allows visitors to access museum exhibits and experiences in-person while maintaining safe social distancing protocols. For instance, museums are offering limited timed-entry tickets to visitors, and employing additional safety measures such as requiring visitors to wear masks.

A sign posted outside a museum, showing the safety measures and visitor protocols for visiting during the pandemic.

In conclusion, museums are stepping up to the challenge posed by the pandemic. By adapting their education and programming efforts to virtual platforms and increasing their engagement with social media, museums continue to serve as sources of discovery and inspiration for people worldwide. In these difficult times, museums are becoming more accessible than ever before, promoting inclusivity and bringing the world’s culture to our living rooms.

A montage of different museum exhibits and artifacts with an overlay text saying "Adapting to the pandemic: The museum's innovation"