This is an external contribution that we are pleased to publish
Authors: Maria Giulia Voltini, Natalie Williams, Mary Anne Ullery

The Museum Playful Learning Collective, spearheaded by Miami Children’s Museum in Miami, FL, is a forward-thinking initiative that reimagines the role of museums in education. The project focuses on the unique benefits of museum schools, where classrooms are situated within or adjacent to museums. A museum school provides students with hands-on, immersive learning opportunities by integrating all museum resources, exhibits and expertise into the curriculum, sparking creativity and deep engagement to enhance student learning and engagement. Since its launch, the collective has expanded to include 17 museum schools, across 11 states, including partners like The Strong National Museum of Play and the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center.

During the latest virtual meeting on September 27th, 2024 over 30 participants from more than 10 states and 2 international sites joined to discuss how the collective can support their work. Many represented museum schools, while others were in the process of opening schools or exploring educational programs within their museum. The next steps include sharing details on our website and a November meet-up that will be hosted by the Association of Children’s Museum. The collective discussed important initiatives, including the implementation of a Kindergarten Transition Survey aimed at gaining insights into children’s experiences transitioning from museum preschool programs to kindergarten (typically age 5 years). The survey will gather perspectives from parents and examine responses between museum preschool students and those from traditional settings. We will be able to share these findings with the field in the Spring 2025.

Additionally, we heard from other participants regarding providing professional development opportunities for both teachers and museum educators, utilization of museum exhibits for museum school children, and the importance of collaboration across departments within a museum. Dedicated time was set aside in the meeting for participants to share their experiences and respond to questions about museum schools. MPLC values the input of all partners and is committed to ensuring that meetings provide space for the exchange of ideas As the collective grows, it seeks to expand its work internationally, inviting European museums to join the conversation and explore the potential of museum-based education. Museums interested in research or learning more about museum schools and playful learning approaches are encouraged to connect with the collective.

Museum schools establish a unique link between educational development, exhibit design, and immersive museum environments. This approach fosters a collaborative culture, bringing together expertise across museum departments to create integrated learning spaces that balance both formal and informal education principles. In the context of children’s museums and museum schools, this integration is designed to engage young learners in meaningful, hands-on ways.

We believe education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to every child. Through museum schools, we aim to create experiences that spark curiosity and foster a lifelong trust in learning. By building STEAM-centered activities and exhibits, museum schools help young minds gain a deeper understanding of the world and prepare them for the future. Together, as change-makers, we can strengthen this vision of a more connected and impactful educational model. Despite some progress, the European panorama of children’s museums remains limited. It’s time to expand museums schools, drawing inspiration from American children’s museums to benefit European communities and families.

The Museum Playful Learning Collective is eager to expand this innovative work across Europe, encouraging collaboration between museum schools and educational institutions. As we continue to explore the impact of museum-based education on early childhood development, we invite European museums to join us in this exciting journey. Whether you’re interested in participating in research or learning more about museum schools and playful learning approaches, we welcome you to connect with us.

For those who would like to be involved or learn more, visit our website at Museum Playful Learning Collective, ( https://museumplayfullearningcollective.org/ ) where you can sign up to join our collective and contribute to this growing field of educational innovation. Together, we can inspire and empower children, families, and communities through the transformative power of museum education.