The Family-Friendly Museum: Museums through the eyes of families

Abstract

According to studies on family leisure time, positive experiences with family members are the most important motivation factor for family leisure activities. In their traditional role, museums are cultural mediators, sources of information and research. However, as the needs of consumers with regards to museums are changing, institutions should instead focus on the opportunity to participate, learn and experience. The aim of our study is to identify key elements that make a museum family friendly and to define criteria for this designation. The framework was constructed based on the analysis of in-depth interviews with families with constructive grounded theory. The study’s findings highlight the need for museums to pay attention to families not only during their visit but also in the preparation and follow-up phases. The managerial implications for museums that would like to be family-friendly are discussed and solutions proposed.