LGBTQ lives are more visible and politicised than ever, but queer themes in museums remain rare. Expanding and improving queer interpretation in museums is an opportunity to serve visitors better. Find out more in this in-person study day.

In this event for curators, educators, and anyone doing interpretive work in museums, participants will learn strategies and gain confidence to plan and implement queer-affirmative museum interpretation.

The study day will start with rationale and data to support case-making for queer themes in museums, including a special focus on serving families with young children. Then we will go over interpretive strategies for talking about queer people in the past using case studies. Participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at writing and editing queer-affirmative labels. The study day will conclude with planning tools and resources to support implementation.

This study day is facilitated by exhibit designer and museum consultant Margaret Middleton, who is known for their research on Queer Possibility and their “Family Inclusive Language Chart”, a resource for welcoming all families in museums, including queer families. They have worked with many museums to implement queer-affirming style guides and interpretative plans, including Fallingwater, the Art Institute of Chicago, Manchester Art Gallery, and MoMA.

Interpreting Queer Themes in Museums 
Study Day, Tuesday 2 March, Central London
Led by Margaret Middleton

About the Workshop Leader

Margaret Middleton is an independent exhibit designer who spent the first decade of their career in children’s museums. They run a one-person design studio in Manchester specialising in playful learning environments for multigenerational audiences. Middleton has written widely about inclusive museum practice: margaretmiddleton.com/writing

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.

Want to join us for several study days? You can save with our 2027 Study Day Ticket Bundle.

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+ members of staff, students, freelancers, and those working at small independent museums. 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, your ticket remains valid for the rescheduled date.