A Small Museum with a Big Feel

Murnau is a small town in southern Germany, a town near the picturesque Bavarian Alps.  It wasn't a planned stop on a recent trip to Europe, but a spontaneous visit on a drive to Munich.   It is home to a small museum called the Schlossmuseum Murnau, which we also visited on a whim.   (Schlossmuseum translates to castle museum, named for the castle-like look of the building in which it is located.)  The museum contains internationally and historically significant works of art and literature connected with the urban life of Murnau.   The building itself was renovated in 2012 to allow the museum to display more than just their collection of paintings on glass.  Changing exhibit galleries, a space devoted to the paintings of the Blue Rider group, a small entry and shared museum shop also grace the space.   But what was most noticeable was the number of visitors on a quiet Friday summer afternoon, and, the excitement in the air.   You could just feel it.   Visitors were enthusiastically taking everything in, talking excitedly, and most noticeably, interacting with each other rather than with technology.   No one was taking photos with their cameras, iphones, iPads or other devices, they were just looking, taking it in and seemingly enjoying it.   Admissions and gallery staff were present, friendly and genuine.   There was a European flair to the space and the atmosphere.   It felt alive, comfortable and well suited to its town and surroundings.   You could just feel the sense of community.   It made me wonder when I felt such a 'buzz' in a space in the United States.    Clearly it is something we all strive for, that enthusiastic immersion of all of our visitors and a warm, familiar feeling.    Is that how your museum makes visitors feel?   It might just be time to find out.