From maps to spatial stories: a case study to understand children’s (re-)productions of art museum space

Abstract

ABSTRACT Children play an important role (re-)producing art museum spaces. De Certeau, M. 2001. “Spatial Stories.” In Defining Travel: Diverse Visions. concept of spatial stories provides a helpful framework to uncover children’s (re-)productions of art museum spaces through their maps and noted explanations. Bridging the fields of children’s geographies and art museum design, this case study reviews the maps and explanations of a small art museum space that is mobile – located inside a bus – by seven children between the ages of four to seven. Spatial stories of the art museum emerge for all seven children, and key themes suggest: (1) children do not perceive of the art museum as a simple repository for art; (2) real and imagined objects and interactions comprise children’s experiences of the museum space; (3) sensory engagements factor heavily into children’s conceptions; and (4) opportunities for play and social interaction matter. These themes are considered through the lens of De Certeau, M. 2001. “Spatial Stories.” In Defining Travel: Diverse Visions. concept of spatial stories, and their analysis is valuable to future programming and art museum design. The process of studying children’s spatial stories ultimately facilitates further understanding how children comprehend museum spaces.