Enjoying a puzzle in the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Rosenthal Education Center (REC)

Have you ever attended a program at the museum and wondered what happens behind the scenes to bring it to life? Or paused in a gallery to read a label and thought about how those words came together? These experiences are shaped by the creative work of museum educators—and at CAM, we are lucky to have an incredible team making them happen.

Since the early 1920s, the Education Division—now the Division of Learning & Interpretation—has helped welcome Cincinnati Art Museum visitors of all ages and abilities through programs and experiences that connect people with the museum’s collection and special exhibitions. Maybe you have visited the Rosenthal Education Center (REC) with a young artist, joined a school tour, participated in summer camp, met us out in the community with the CAM Cruiser, watched a CAM Look video online, or attended a lecture or gallery talk. If so, you have already experienced the meaningful work of museum educators.

If you are a museum member and curious to learn more about how museum education happens—and the people, ideas, and planning behind it—I invite you to become a Friend of Museum Education. Friends receive a monthly newsletter with new program highlights, behind-the-scenes stories from program and interpretation planning, and fresh ways to explore the collection. Throughout the year, Friends will also be invited to special experiences connected to programs for all ages, including tours and collection conversations with the Director of Learning & Interpretation, book discussions, family events, and more.