Children learn about art by actively engaging with their surroundings, making museums powerful spaces for learning and development. Yet, the descriptions accompanying artworks are typically designed for adults, often overlooking the needs of younger visitors. How does this affect children’s engagement with art? Do they perceive paintings differently from adults, and can more tailored descriptions enhance their experience?
In his talk, Dr. Francesco Walker from Leiden University, Netherlands, will present novel findings from research conducted in collaboration with major Dutch museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum – the national museum of The Netherlands.
By sharing eye tracking data collected in naturalistic museum settings, he will highlight key differences in visual attention between younger and older visitors, and show how museum labels shape the way children view the paintings on display. By uncovering these attentional patterns, he will explore practical strategies for making museum storytelling more inclusive and engaging for diverse audiences. Ultimately, Dr. Walker will show how partnerships between museums and academic institutions can drive evidence-based improvements in visitor experience, opening new pathways for art education and exhibition design.
The online-talk is part of the series "experts on stage" organised by the CoLiLab. Interested guests are welcome.