At the heart of all good art museum teaching is an effort to bring people and artworks together in meaningful ways. But what constitutes an experience of a work of art? This book addresses these and myriad other questions and investigates the mission, history, theory, practice, and future prospects of museum education.

This title offers an insightful exploration of the mission, history, theory, practice, & future of museum education. At the heart of all good art museum teaching is an effort to bring people and artworks together in meaningful ways. But what constitutes an experience of a work of art? And what should be taught and why? This book addresses these and myriad other questions and investigates the mission, history, theory, practice, and future prospects of museum education. Every critical issue that has preoccupied the profession throughout its hundred-year history is considered - from the lecture- vs. conversation-based teaching argument to the role of information in gallery teaching. This is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in museum teaching, from professional museum educators to students.