Today is ‘Takeover Day Scotland’ in Museums across the nation, including the Museum of Edinburgh and the National Museum of Scotland. It is the first day on which museums are taken over by children who are given the jobs adults usually do. As well as leading tours, curating exhibitions and greeting visitors at the reception desk, the young volunteers will be conducting visitor surveys and taking over the museums’ social media.
The Museum of Edinburgh is being taken over by local primary school children who are putting on their own exhibition, choosing objects, designing posters and acting as guides for the day and at the National Museum of Scotland, young people are putting on interactive science shows in the Grand Gallery.
Over 30 museums around Scotland are taking part in the day which is run by charity Kids in Museums, in partnership with Museums Galleries Scotland. Over 1000 kids are set to be involved, with culture Minister Fiona Hyslop being taken on a tour of the Museum of Edinburgh by children.
Joanne Orr, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: -We are delighted to bring Kids in Museums Takeover Day to Scotland and that so many museums the length and breadth of the country are taking part and handing over to children for the day. Museums are magical places which can be inspirational for children, opening their eyes to new and exciting experiences. Taking on a meaningful role, working alongside staff and volunteers and getting to peek behind the scenes gives an insight into the life of the museum’.
More information about the day will be revealed through the scheme’s Twitter page.
