Listen Here
Listen & Follow Here
Show Notes for Insider Museum Tips to Make Your Visits Unforgettable
Museums can be awe-inspiring and are often highlights of our travels. But they can also be overwhelming, crowded, and exhausting. In this episode I’m sharing insider museum tips that will help you make the most of your visit.
You’ll learn lesser-known strategies like skipping the longest lines, finding hidden discounts, avoiding museum fatigue, and deepening your connection with the art, history, and culture around you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to plan your route inside a museum so you don’t miss what matters most.
- Where to find free or discounted entry
- Smart ways to skip the line at popular museums
- The best times to visit to avoid crowds and overstimulation
- Why your phone might be getting in the way of a richer experience — and how to fix that
- How to reflect and keep the memories alive after you’ve left
Try This for Your Next Trip
Visit the website of the next museum you plan to visit. Look for open hours, free days, special exhibits, events, or the educator section to enhance your visit.
Reflection
“You always need to save something for next time.” – Pat Carroll
This episode’s quote is from my mom, who loved to travel and knew the wisdom of appreciating, and not rushing, through travel experiences.
Take my course: The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Art & Culture
Plan deeply personal and culturally rich trips with step-by-step guidance. As a podcast listener enjoy $10 off with code: CURIOUSTRAVELER
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE
Links & Resources:
- Read the full article: Museum Tips: How to Make the Most of Visiting a Museum
- Tips For Visiting a Museum With Kids
- Trip Scholars articles for art museums. The site has many more for other types of museums.
Thanks for joining me on Conversations for Curious Travelers, a Trip Scholars podcast. I’m so glad you are here!
Please support the show— follow and leave a review—it helps more thoughtful travelers like you discover these conversations. Thank you!
Want to make your next trip even better?
Download your free guide: The Curious Traveler’s 5-Step Guide to More Meaningful Trips
Ready for personalized support?
Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Let’s stay connected:
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates.
Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com
Transcript for Insider Museum Tips to Make Your Visits Unforgettable
[00:00:00] Introduction to Conversations for Curious Travelers
Welcome to Conversations for Curious Travelers, a Trip Scholars podcast. I’m your host, Erica Forrest. In each episode, we explore how travel helps us learn more about the world and ourselves. If you travel not just to escape, but to grow, connect, and understand, you are in the right place.
[00:00:21] A Transformative Visit to the Acropolis Museum
One of the most powerful museum experiences that I’ve had was at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. You are so excited to be in Athens, to get to visit the Acropolis and all of that. Once inside, I was looking out on this large floor with many sculptures, mostly of the human form, all in one space. It had sculptures from the Archaic period, the Classical period, and the Hellenistic period all in one room.
It was like standing in a time-lapse of human understanding of ourselves. You could feel the progression, not just in the artistry, but also in how we have come to see ourselves through time—from very stylized and rigid, to this idealized perfection, and finally to deeply human expressions of movement and emotion.
The building itself is a modern architectural wonder. It’s flooded with natural light and inspired by the Acropolis. You can see the Acropolis from places inside. At that moment, when I was standing there looking at all those different iterations of the human form, I felt connected to the people who created these works thousands of years ago, and also to the people I was standing with in the museum, as part of the human family. It was overwhelming in the best way, and a reminder of why museums can be so transformative and why, with just a little extra preparation, we can get so much more out of these incredible spaces.
[00:02:11] Why Museums Matter and Common Challenges
Museums are often the crown jewels of a place, concentrating valued treasures into a single, exhilarating space. Within the walls of museums, we find some of the most vivid and profound windows into the art, history, culture, and natural wonders of our world. But with so much value in one place, and sometimes massive collections in some of the most popular places people want to visit, they can be vast, overwhelming, and expensive.
I actually wrote an article on Trip Scholars a couple of years ago, and it’s usually either the top or one of the top articles on museum tips. I’m excited to share some suggestions and ideas so that you can prepare for and get the most from your next trip to the museum. Personally, I have had some of the most meaningful experiences of my life in museums, and I know how powerful they can be. I have also organized multiple group visits to museums, so I have experience helping other people make the most of their visits.
In today’s episode, we’re going to look at suggestions for before, during, and after your visit, and I’ll share some ideas that I hope make your experiences as great as possible.
[00:03:53] Before You Go: Museums Are for Everyone
I think one of the most important things to know is that museums are for everyone. There isn’t a right way to experience one, and your visit can be as unique and personal as you are. If you’re short on time, just go to the museum. You don’t have to listen to this podcast or read the article—just go and enjoy yourself. But if you do have time, I’ve got lots of tips for you.
[00:04:28] Check the Museum Website
Recently, I was meeting a friend at one of our local museums, which I have visited many times and often had a membership to. We had plans to meet, and I got in the elevator in the parking garage. It would not respond to the main floor. I could not figure out why it wouldn’t go up, until I finally realized the museum was closed.
It is always valuable when you’re starting to plan your trip to the museum to take a few minutes and check out the website. Confirm the hours, check if they’re having any special programs or special hours. You can check out ticket options, grab a map, and find out about any special events. It’s a very simple step that can completely change your experience.
[00:05:14] Plan Your Route Inside the Museum
Another great tip is to think a little about the route you want to take when you’re in the museum. If it’s a small museum, just go and enjoy. But research shows that we give the most energy to the first exhibits we see. If it’s a huge museum, you might use up all your energy in the first couple of rooms and miss what you really wanted to see. If it’s one of the world-class large museums, decide what your favorite exhibits are and go there first, when you still have the energy.
Some of the largest buildings in the world are museums. Museum fatigue is real, and it can be very helpful to get to where you most want to go first.
[00:06:14] Learn Before You Go
Another great tip is to take the time to get even a little background before you go. In the story I shared at the beginning, I had been studying Greek art and the history of the Acropolis throughout my life in bits and pieces, but when we planned this trip, I dove in more deeply. That preparation allowed me to have a transcendent experience.
If you want help finding ideas for that, I have a free guide with step-by-step activities to help you learn more before you go on your next trip. They’re meant to be enjoyable and easy to integrate into your life. You can find it in the link in my show notes or at TripScholars.com.
[00:06:59] Finding Discounts and Passes
One of the challenges for many people when visiting museums is cost, especially when traveling with a group or a family. Many museums have free admission days and reduced prices for students, seniors, or children. If you’re traveling with someone who might qualify, make sure they bring their student ID or other documentation.
Libraries often have passes you can check out with a library card, and if you’re staying with friends or family in the area, they might have access. Some museums offer free admission to underserved communities through programs like Museums for All in the United States. Other countries often have similar programs.
Memberships can also be a great option. In North America, for example, the North American Reciprocal Museum Association offers reciprocal entry to many museums. When our family was homeschooling, we almost always had a membership to one of our local museums, and we would use that membership while traveling to visit other museums for free or at reduced rates.
[00:08:47] Skip the Lines
Time is often limited when traveling, so skipping lines can be a big advantage. Multi-site passes can save time and money in many cities. Compare the cost of the pass to the attractions you want to visit.
One of my favorite features of these passes is the ability to skip lines. You can also buy timed entry tickets, often even from your phone while you’re standing in line, which allows you to enter more quickly.
Travel forums are another great source for tips. When we visited the Palace of Versailles, we didn’t want to take a guided tour and the lines were hours long. We learned from a forum that there’s a restaurant within the building where we could reserve a table for breakfast overlooking the palace grounds, and afterward take an elevator through a back door that leads directly into the entrance.
[00:10:33] Consider Timing
Many museums offer free admission days, but they can be crowded. Weekday visits are often best, but keep in mind that school field trips can make museums busier. Visiting around two o’clock in the afternoon is often ideal, as field trips are usually wrapping up.
Some museums offer sensory-friendly hours, often before opening, which can be great for visitors who find museums overstimulating.
[00:11:25] Course Mention: The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Art and Culture
Think about the next museum you want to visit, and consider what you could check or arrange in advance to make it easier or more meaningful.
One of the best ways to make your time in a museum truly unforgettable is to prepare ahead of time—not in a way that feels like homework, but so you can walk in already feeling connected to what you’re seeing. That’s exactly what I help you do in my course, The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Art and Culture.
If you’ve ever wished your trips could feel as rich and rewarding as an expertly guided personal tour, but you still want the flexibility and independence to plan your own itinerary, this course is for you. In nine short video modules, I guide you through planning cultural experiences like museums, performances, festivals, literary travel, and culinary travel, helping you build an itinerary that feels personal, immersive, and memorable.
The course is self-paced, so you can start anytime. You can find the link in my show notes or at TripScholars.com, and I’ll share a coupon code below.
[00:13:04] While You’re at the Museum: Take in the Big Picture
When you get into a gallery, take in the big picture first—the whole space—and then decide what to focus on. You certainly don’t need to stop at every exhibit or every piece.
Studies show that people spend less than 30 seconds with each piece. The New York Times recently ran a series where they offered an interactive way to look at a single piece of art for 10 minutes, and it was interesting to read the comments from people who tried it. Spending that amount of time looking at one work of art often reveals details and connections that are easy to miss when we move quickly. Give yourself permission to linger; you’ll probably notice much more and appreciate it more deeply.
[00:14:00] Use Museum Tours and Guides Wisely
Most museums offer different guides that can enhance your experience.
Audio guides are a great option, and you can often download them in advance—sometimes for free—which allows you to skip the long lines to check out a headset. You’ll be able to listen on your own device with your own earbuds. Rick Steves has some excellent free guides for many major museums, and there are also custom, curated ones you can sometimes find for specific collections.
You can also join a guided tour with a docent. These can be wonderful for learning and are often free. Feel free to step away from the group if something catches your eye and you want to explore on your own.
Hiring a private guide is another option. They can tailor the tour to your interests and make the museum experience more personal. Of course, you can also be your own guide by doing your research beforehand, so you can fully appreciate what you’re seeing while still having the freedom to explore at your own pace.
[00:15:01] Balancing Time with Others and Time Alone
Another thing that can really enhance a museum experience is finding the right balance between being with others and being on your own. Conversations in museums—with family, friends, or fellow visitors—can spark fascinating insights.
Solo time can be equally powerful. There’s a film called Mindwalk, based on the book by Fritjof Capra, about three people moving through Mont Saint-Michel. The space itself and the art they encounter spark deep and meaningful conversations.
Time alone in a museum can also be transformative. There’s an idea called the “numinous museum experience,” described by K.F. Latham at Kent State University as being “characterized by deep engagement or transcendence, empathy, and a feeling of awe or reverence.” If you’ve had this experience, you know exactly what I mean. It doesn’t happen every time, but to reach this state, it can help to be alone with the exhibits.
Giving ourselves that space to dive into our thoughts—whether it’s standing in front of a Van Gogh painting with tears in our eyes or touching a massive meteorite—can create moments we carry for a lifetime. It’s worth finding some solo time in a museum so you have the space for those experiences. Then, you can share them later with the people you care about.
[00:17:16] Engage Creatively: Sketch or Journal
Some people enjoy bringing a sketchbook or journal to a museum. You don’t have to be an artist. Just jotting down your impressions can deepen your connection to what you’re seeing. Research shows that the physical act of writing can help us process and retain what we learn.
[00:17:40] Take Breaks to Avoid Museum Fatigue
Museums can be mentally and physically exhausting. The human brain can only concentrate for so long, so instead of trying to see everything, choose a few exhibits that are most important to you, then give yourself time to process them.
Some museums have beautiful cafés where you can relax. Many have gardens or quiet corners where you can sit and watch others interact with the exhibits. Even gift shops can be a restful break; you might discover books or films to explore later, even if you don’t buy anything. Creating a cadence to your museum visit—balancing active engagement with rest—can help you enjoy it more fully.
[00:18:10] Be Intentional About Phone Use
Studies show that we can enter a “flow state” in museums—similar to the numinous experience I mentioned earlier. But it’s much harder to reach that state if we’re constantly thinking about taking photos or posting on social media.
If you do want photos for your own memories, my suggestion is to keep your phone in your pocket or bag while you’re viewing the exhibits. When you leave a particular room or section, decide which pieces you want to go back and photograph. This helps you stay present while still capturing the moments that matter most to you.
Many museums also sell high-quality postcards, prints, or books of their collections—often better than what you can capture on your phone. But if you want your own photos, be intentional about when and how you take them.
[00:19:48] After Your Visit: Keep the Experience Alive
So now you’ve had an amazing trip to a museum. How can you carry what you’ve gained with you?
One way is to continue the conversation—with friends, family, or others who are interested. If you’re really moved by something you saw, you can look for online groups or in-person events to discuss it further. If it’s a local museum, they may offer lectures, tours, or workshops you can join.
You can also explore further by reading books, watching documentaries or films, or attending talks related to the exhibits. Keeping the memories alive through photos, souvenirs, art projects, or even starting new hobbies inspired by your visit can make the experience last longer.
[00:20:45] Support Museums and Share the Experience
Another way to extend the impact of your visit is to support museums directly. Many are losing funding, so becoming a member can help them thrive. Memberships often come with perks like free admission, guest passes, and invitations to special events.
They also make thoughtful gifts. Some of my favorite gifts—both given and received—have been museum memberships.
[00:21:24] Choose One or Two Tips to Try
I’ve shared a lot of tips for making museum visits better—before, during, and after. I encourage you to pick one or two to focus on before your next trip and see how they change your experience.
If this episode makes you think, “I want more trips like this,” check out my course, The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Art and Culture. It walks you through planning culturally rich and meaningful trips step-by-step. It’s perfect if you want the independence of traveling on your own with the depth of a guided tour, tailored to your interests. You’ll find the link in the show notes.
[00:22:02] This Week’s Small Step
Each week, I share one small step you can take to enhance your future trips. This week, I encourage you—if you’re planning to visit a museum—to take a few minutes to visit its website. You can learn about special exhibits, events, or tips that will make your experience richer.
If you’re traveling with kids, or even if you aren’t, check for sections aimed at educators and parents—these often have creative ideas you can use before or after your visit.
[00:22:41] Reflection from the Episode
I want to share a quote from my mom, Pat Carroll: “You always have to save something for next time.” I think that’s a wonderful way to experience a museum. We’re often tempted to try to see everything, but when we give ourselves the space to go slowly, we can truly appreciate what we see—and look forward to returning.
[00:23:02] Closing
I wish you all the best on your museum visits. Thanks so much for joining me. I know your time is valuable, and I’m truly grateful that you spent some of it here together. Please visit me at TripScholars.com for free travel resources, workshops, and travel coaching.
If you enjoyed today’s show, please follow, review, or share it—it really helps other curious travelers find us. Until next time, curious travelers.
