Abstract:

Museums, as we know them today, were first conceived in Europe during the late 18th century when eclectic curiosities emerging from a private impulse to collect were granted public access. From the very beginning, museums have been primarily educational institutions that have held the promise of equality of opportunity in learning. Education is the central function of museums and the reason for its existence.

From the time in the early 20th century, when museum education meant fact-laden transfer of information with limited theory to guide its educational efforts, to its re-invention today within a constructivist framework carried out by professional museum educators, museums today are not only aesthetic or scientific research institutions but serve an important educational role as well. However, within the education framework, the role of museums is globally undervalued and overlooked.

This paper examines the educational activities conducted by museums for young school audiences (10- 16 years) using a comparative model of study. Using extensive case studies from the two capital and creative cities of Berlin and Delhi, it will examine the educational role of museums in the 21st century and suggest effective models of engagement for young visitors and learning for the future.

The paper begins with an overview of museum education in Germany and India followed by a brief comparison of governance structure and funding in the two countries. The paper then outlines the kinds of educational programmes offered, curatorial endeavours, the nature of participation and interaction, and the themes and issues covered in select museums in Berlin and Delhi. Question of accessibility and design have been discussed along with new initiatives in creating engagement and collaboration between schools and museums.

In doing this, the paper provides a framework to recognise, champion and better the role of museums in informal, free choice learning space. Within a broader framework it attempts to define the new role of museums in the 21st century environment as we are confronted by rapidly increasing complexity and fundamental changes in no small measure related to governance, education, globalisation, communication and even core purpose.

Keywords:

Museums, informal, 21st century, skills, India, Germany, pedagogy, schools, children.