We Built a Bar in the Middle of the Gallery

  • Thursday, September 26, 2024
  • 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm
  • Ventana Room

Presenter(s): 

Patrick McMahon, Head of Operations and Visitor Services, Gates Foundation Discovery Center

Moderator: 

Sarah Bloom, Head of Exhibitions and Interpretation, Gates Foundation

Track: 

  • Community Engagement, Visitor Experience

Learning Format: Active Learning

This session explores the dynamic relationship between education and curation by advocating for the incorporation of dedicated educational spaces within gallery settings. This session is inspired by the current exhibition at the Discovery Center where we built a ‘Water Bar’ inside of the exhibition, the bartenders are education staff, staging water tastings, pop-up activities and activations throughout the run of the exhibition. The session will explore innovative strategies the Discovery Center and other museum spaces have taken in incorporating permanent education spaces in gallery spaces, and practical examples of how galleries can serve as hubs for both appreciation and learning. The presenters will share key lessons learned, visitor feedback, and learning outcomes throughout the session.