ABSTRACT
Museums have long been aware of the importance of children as museum visitors, and have sought to cater to this audience, both as a part of more formal school groups, and as members of more informal family groups. This chapter discusses the concept of understanding the texture of the museum experience, including all aspects of the museum objects and building. Eberbach and Crowley highlight the importance of museums for allowing children the 'time to look' and develop skills in observation. From the interviews with the child participants in the chapter, it was impressed upon again and again how the museum was a place of delight, fascination, excitement and pleasure, and for each child in individual and idiosyncratic ways. The chapter contributes to a deeper understanding of children's museum experiences by shifting the lens through which children are viewed within museum studies.
