Useful Research

This site is really useful to us as it touches on 4 main things that museums need to do to engage millennials. These points really relate to our initial idea of opening late and having some kind of quiz night. They are things that are really important for us to remember when designing our experience.

http://www.achieveagency.com/4-ways-museums-can-engage-millennials/

1. Leverage our love of nostalgia.

It might seem ridiculous to old-timers since we’re only 20-35 years old, but Millennials love nostalgia.  Give us the sense of returning to a museum we might have visited on an elementary school field trip by having young professional events like touring the museum after hours.

2. We value networking and making connections.

We Millennials are a social bunch and like to be heard.  Consider creating a young professionals group that is invited to volunteer or contribute to special events and leadership meetings.

3. We’re always looking for free or cheap things to do.

Younger Millennials, especially, are always on the lookout for discounts.  For me, a partnership with my university landed me free admission to several local museums with my student ID, which led me to visit two museums this year that I hadn’t been to in over five years.

Older Millennials have young families, and with student loans, they don’t feel like they have the time or the money to contribute to your organization. Think of ways to create an interactive and engaging atmosphere for their young children while not breaking the bank.  Family memberships continue to be a popular choice for top attractions in the area that are exciting to visit multiple times a year.

4. Offer us a chance to unplug.

A lot of museums are leading the charge on including interactive technology at almost every exhibit. While this can help with taking in information, it can also be overwhelming. Sometimes we want to come to a museum and get away from technology for a little bit. There doesn’t have to be a new piece of technology at every corner; however, we do expect a good mobile website with smart usability.

During his presentation at Indy Redefined, Indianapolis Museum of Art Curator Scott Stulen said in regard to museums that “fun doesn’t have to be frivolous, and smart doesn’t have to be boring.” He’s right. And what gets Millennials to engage with museums is the sense of community, the hub of information and the ability to marvel at something we can’t see outside of the museum walls.