Creating Authentic and Unique Museum Experiences: The Good of Being Different in a Time of Sameness. Explore how museum should look to their unique assets to challenge the way their public offer is delivered.

Museums have benefited from formalising their public offers and mitigating risk through business perspectives and approaches. But popularity has come with a price. Some museums have lost their uniqueness and authenticity. Sameness has crept into the public offer. While this can be popular it doesn’t create the most transformative of experiences. As times change so do audience motivations and needs. In this study day you will discover why there is no better time to push for more inspirational and enriching experiences. You will have the opportunity to rethink your work and leave the study days with the ideas you need to revitalise your museum’s public offer.

Engage with Practical Exercises: Engage in practice-based exercises that will help solidify your understanding of how to create authentic and unique experiences in your museum.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples: Gain inspiration and understanding from a variety of case studies showcasing how museums have created a unique public offer.

Reflect and Collaborate: Work in small, supportive groups to reflect on your ideas and activities. This conversational and relaxed setting encourages open discussion and peer learning.

Actionable Next Steps: Leave with a clear ideas to help you approach creating an authentic and unique public offer in your museum.

Places on this study day are limited to help create the most engaging and productive learning experience for participants.

Creating Authentic and Unique Museum Experiences: The Good of Being Different in a Time of Sameness
Study Day, 10 June 2025, London

Workshop leader: Mike Sarna has worked in museums for over 25 years from small to large — including eight years as Director of Collections and Senior Curator at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, and six years as Head of Interpretation and Design at the Natural History Museum in London. Between 2012–2018 Mike served as Director, Collections and Public Engagement, at Royal Museums Greenwich where he led the development of the public offer across four museums and the care and conservation of the collection. This included leading their £25 million Endeavour Project with the opening of four new permanent galleries.

Book tickets: Click ‘Select options’ below to book your place on the study day. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from £137 – £177. Book with colleagues for multiple delegate discounts. Book your ticket online below or email info@museum-id.com if you prefer to be invoiced.

20% of tickets are available at a reduced rate for museum workers who may often be excluded from training and professional development opportunities, including people of colour, LGBTQ+ and working class members of staff, people with a disability, front of house staff, students, freelancers, those working at small independent museums, and people new to the sector. Reduced rate tickets are £97 – email info@museum-id.com to check availability and to book a ticket at the reduced rate.

Tickets are non-refundable but may be swapped between colleagues at the same organisation and between different study days (if places are available). If the workshop is postponed due to Covid-19 your ticket remains valid for the rescheduled date.