5.4. Context

An excellent starting point for understanding the philosophy of the museum can be found under Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Exhibit Design, provided in 2016 by Rebecca Grabman.

5.4.1. Glossary

As we engage with the Museum, we will discover the particular terms and phrases which can shape our approach.

visitor
The Pittsburgh Children’s Museum is meant for all ages; the mission statement doesn’t specifically mention children. But the majority of children visiting are in the 3-5 year old range, so many exhibits are geared for young children and their parents or guardians.
intergenerational engagement
The interactions between children and their parents and grandparents.
facilitate
(fill this in)
complexify
The opposite of simplify: a process where the visitor chooses to engage more deeply, ask more questions, discover more, and find out complex properties which were not initially visible.
low walls, high ceilings
Providing easy points of entry for engagement, but high potential for long-term exploration.

5.4.2. Precedents and Resources

Over the past ten years, the Museum has hosted many artists in the Tough Art residency program to make new pieces for museum visitors. This Fall 2016 the Museum is showing a Tough Art retrospective. The Museum has a short Tough Art video explaining the program.

The Fred Rogers Center is working to develop technology appropriate for early childhood through research programs and fellowships.

5.4.3. Museum Spaces

The museum has a number of spaces potentially available for projects. The following outlines some of the pros and cons of each option:

  1. MAKESHOP
    • Access to outlet
    • Mediocre lighting
  2. Studio
    • Natural light
    • Restricted access to outlets
  3. Garage
    • Noisy
    • Some outlet possibilty
    • Lots of movement around / overhead
  4. Buhl Hallway
    • Usually very dark
    • Dependent on current Tough Art installation
  5. Nursery
    • Must be appropriate for very young visitors
    • Somewhat limited electrical access
  6. Waterplay
    • Not good for non-waterproof projects
  7. Cafe
    • Not within an exhibit space, but lots of foot traffic
    • Best at table-height rather than floor
  8. Theater
    • Dependent on the current installation/guest performers
    • Must not be too loud on a Saturday morning
    • Much larger space
  9. Backyard / Garden / Outside
    • Warm weather only (spring/summer)
    • No outlets
    • Large potential space
    • Cannot control the weather