Author: Debenedetti, Stephane

Publication Year:

Media Type: Periodical (article)

Summary:

Abstract:

"This paper analyses the role played by the presence or absence of companions in the individual experience of visiting an art museum. There has been little research focusing on the visitor's accompaniment, even though the dual nature of the museum visit ﾝit is both a social leisure activity and an introspective experience ﾝsuggests that accompaniment is a significant factor. The author presents the results of a qualitative study with art museum visitors (a content analysis of 24 semi-directed interviews) and discusses the implications for future research and for museum management.

Accompanient plays a key role in the nature of the museum visit. Museums can use this variable to determine the types of experience their visitors wish to have, tailoring their marketing and cultural services accordingly while still fulfilling their mission."

CONTENTS
Introduction.
Literature Review.
Methodology.
Results.
Table 1: Respondent Profile.
The Presence of Companions and the Art Museum Experience.
Mutual Enrichment.
Recreation.
Reassurance.
Prestige.
Transmission of Knowledge.
Anonymity and the Art Museum Experience.
High cognitive involvement.
High emotional involvement.
Sense of ease within the museum.
Autonomy.
Profound and intimate relationship with the art works.
From Affiliation to Anonymity and Vice Versa: The Public-Private Duality of the Museum Experience.
The fusion visit.
The private experience.
The separated visit.
The pursuit of social contact.
Figure 1: Semiotic Square: Together-Alone.
Implications.
Accompaniment as Both Intrinsic and Extrinsic to the Museum Experience.
Social contact.
Self-actualization.
Practical Implications.
The fusion visit.
The private experience.
The separated visit.
The pursuit of social contact.
Conclusion.
Note.
References.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Participation