Museums must be interesting for everyone, not just enthusiasts, says Nick Larkin
Transport museums must market themselves as venues for a family day out rather merely as a place to see old buses and coaches, according to one West Midlands venue. “Being just an enthusiast attraction is not sustainable,” says Denis Chick, a trustee at Transport Museum Wythall (TMW) which is also emphasising the social history aspect of its vehicles to visitors.
“Most important is having guides at the museum ready to tell the story behind vehicles and their significance. I don’t think it’s every museum’s focus but it should be. You have to major on telling the social history behind the bus and what it’s done for the world,” said Denis. “The bus moved Britain before cars became affordable and popular. They took us to school, to work and on holiday and it and its associated industry employed thousands of people. That’s what families find interesting especially when they come with grandparents who’ve experienced living in those times. The kids of today can’t comprehend a family without at least one car, let alone two.”
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