Hello. I’m Claire Bown.
I believe every museum visit has the potential to spark wonder and create lasting connections.
I help museums, galleries, and cultural organisations create participatory experiences that invite visitors to look closely, think deeply, and connect meaningfully with art and objects.
Back in 2011, I noticed museum educators struggling to lead interactive, inquiry-led experiences that really engaged their audiences.
This inspired me to start Thinking Museum in 2013 and to design the Thinking Museum® Approach, – an effective, straightforward and practical approach that puts engagement at the heart of museum experiences.
Working both online and in-person, I partner with museum and heritage educators, guides, teachers and creatives worldwide.
Through my book The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums, my popular podcast, and my training programmes and workshops, I share proven tools and techniques for creating meaningful, participant-centred experiences that bring art and objects to life.
Contact me for TRAINING | CONSULTING | SPEAKING requests.
Podcast and webinar appearances
In March 2025, I presented a webinar on ‘Reimagining Guided Experiences: Fostering Connection, Curiosity and Meaningful Conversations’ for the National Docent Symposium Council. In this session, I explore practical strategies & techniques for structuring dynamic guided tours that encourage active participation, spark connections and ensure visitors remain engaged. I discuss how embracing new approaches to audience engagement – leading with looking, focusing on connection before content, encouraging shared inquiry and prioritising personal discovery – can transform both the visitor experience and our practice as docents, guides and educators. For all the free resources and links, go to the NDSC website to download.
I recently joined Dr. Myriam Hadnes on Episode 314 of the Workshops.work podcast to discuss my approach to museum learning. In Episode 314 ‘Connection Before Content: A New Approach to Museum Learning with Claire Bown‘ we discuss practical techniques for fostering curiosity, encouraging deeper observation, and creating space for genuine conversation — turning museum visits into opportunities for connection rather than just content delivery.
I joined the For Art’s Sake podcast (Season 6, Episode 1) to discuss creating meaningful, engaging museum experiences through slow looking. During our conversation, I shared practical techniques for facilitating joyful art engagement, drawing from my work with museum educators, guides, teachers, and creatives. I explained how inquiry-led approaches can transform the way audiences connect with art and museum objects, focusing on building confidence in designing engaging programs for diverse visitors.
I was featured on the Choose to Be Curious podcast (Episode 191) discussing the power of slow looking. During our conversation, I shared how adults often rush through observation and jump straight to interpretation, especially in museums and cultural spaces. I explained techniques from my guide ‘How to Look at Art (Slowly)‘ that help people engage more deeply with art through mindful observation and practices that encourage discussion, questioning, and attentive listening. While my professional focus is on museums, I emphasise how these curiosity-building approaches can be valuable in any context.
I appeared on the Tourpreneur podcast (Episode 241) in to discuss ‘What Makes a Great Tour Guide?’ alongside host Mitch Bach. Drawing from my experience as a museum educator and tour guide trainer, I shared insights on creating memorable guided experiences through active participation, thoughtful questioning, and inclusive practices. During our conversation, we explore how personalisation, storytelling, and cultivating curiosity contribute to powerful tours.
I invited onto ‘The Best Advice Show‘ with Zak Rosen in February 2024 to share techniques for slow looking and deeper observation. During this brief but impactful episode, I offer practical advice on how to spend more time looking at art—or anything—more closely. Drawing from my experience as a museum educator, I discuss how slowing down our observation process can transform our engagement with art and objects.
I was a guest on Tony Martignetti’s ‘The Virtual Campfire’s Podcast‘ to discuss ‘The Art Of Slow Looking’ and how it can revolutionise museum visits and personal connections. During this conversation, I explore the power of slow looking, share practical techniques for enhancing experiences with art and culture, developing deeper observation skills, and fostering meaningful interactions in museum settings. The episode highlights how slow looking can transform ordinary encounters into extraordinary discoveries, fuelling curiosity and revealing the hidden wonders in art.
I joined Lisa Partridge on the SIXCOMMS podcast (Episode 40) to discuss ‘”‘How to Use Thinking Routines to Facilitate More Engaging Meetings.'”‘ During our conversation, I discussed what thinking routines are and their benefits in facilitation contexts, shared my top three favourite routines, and explored how these structured frameworks can enhance connection and collaboration in meetings. Drawing from my experience as a trainer, facilitator, and museum educator in Amsterdam, I offered practical advice for incorporating these techniques beyond museum settings, providing listeners with actionable steps to implement thinking routines in their next meeting.
