Master’s in museum studies, emphasis on museum education, engagement and visitor experience, George Washington (GW) University, Washington DC.
In the current spring semester, as part of my master’s program I am participating in a comprehensive internship, complemented by seminars, at the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Art Museum at the Department of Education and Visitor Experience here in Washington DC.
I arrived in the United States to pursue a master’s degree in museum studies, following vast experience as an art curator, in collection management, and informal art education. I feel fortunate to be studying in the lively environment of GW University in Washington DC, a center for museums and research in this field. My focus lies on museum education, access and engagement, and visitor experience.
My department has a valuable affiliation with the Smithsonian Institute, enabling me to gain insights from a diverse range of museums. The primary objective of the program is practical learning from the field, extending beyond academic study. We undertake numerous museum visits, attend guest lectures from various museums, and participate in two extensive internships, referred to as "field placements," accompanied by relevant seminars. The curriculum emphasizes co-creating with communities and museum planning through research.
During the first semester, a crucial component of my program involved working at the public school, the Alice Deal Middle School in DC, where I developed a museum program. I organized and facilitated a museum visit to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, focusing on contemporary art to explore global issues like gender equality, immigration, and social justice. I also introduced students to Israeli culture in a broad context, avoiding specific references to the current situation.
In another course, we learned about co-creating with the community, and I chose to examine the Israeli community in Rockville, of which I am part, writing a program partnership with Planet Word museum. Another aspect of our studies involved engaging with museum audiences through digital and technological tools. Our final project resulted in a digital magazine published in the Getty digital archive.
As the program progresses, we will delve into evaluating museum visitor programs through hands-on experience in selected museums. Throughout the program, collaboration among students is emphasized, including peer reviews and group dynamics. My study experience goes beyond the academic realm; I am not only learning from the field but also gaining insights into American culture, the education system, and museum operations. Additionally, living in the U.S. as a family is itself an enriching experience. I aspire to continue my studies and specialization, aiming to foster collaboration between the culture and education departments within museums and beyond and promote the museum's role in the culture.
I arrived in the United States to pursue a master’s degree in museum studies, following vast experience as an art curator, in collection management, and informal art education. I feel fortunate to be studying in the lively environment of GW University in Washington DC, a center for museums and research in this field. My focus lies on museum education, access and engagement, and visitor experience.
My department has a valuable affiliation with the Smithsonian Institute, enabling me to gain insights from a diverse range of museums. The primary objective of the program is practical learning from the field, extending beyond academic study. We undertake numerous museum visits, attend guest lectures from various museums, and participate in two extensive internships, referred to as "field placements," accompanied by relevant seminars. The curriculum emphasizes co-creating with communities and museum planning through research.
During the first semester, a crucial component of my program involved working at the public school, the Alice Deal Middle School in DC, where I developed a museum program. I organized and facilitated a museum visit to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, focusing on contemporary art to explore global issues like gender equality, immigration, and social justice. I also introduced students to Israeli culture in a broad context, avoiding specific references to the current situation.
In another course, we learned about co-creating with the community, and I chose to examine the Israeli community in Rockville, of which I am part, writing a program partnership with Planet Word museum. Another aspect of our studies involved engaging with museum audiences through digital and technological tools. Our final project resulted in a digital magazine published in the Getty digital archive.
As the program progresses, we will delve into evaluating museum visitor programs through hands-on experience in selected museums. Throughout the program, collaboration among students is emphasized, including peer reviews and group dynamics. My study experience goes beyond the academic realm; I am not only learning from the field but also gaining insights into American culture, the education system, and museum operations. Additionally, living in the U.S. as a family is itself an enriching experience. I aspire to continue my studies and specialization, aiming to foster collaboration between the culture and education departments within museums and beyond and promote the museum's role in the culture.