NATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN MUSEUM EDUCATION: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE — A CASE STUDY OF THE IRAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

Abstract

Education has evolved from a peripheral concern into a core institutional mission of the modern museum, yet its practices remain profoundly shaped by national cultural contexts. Drawing on the Iran National Museum — the nation’s oldest and most comprehensive museum institution — this paper examines the transformation of museum education through three temporal dimensions. Historically, the Iran National Museum’s inception in 1917, its relocation to a purpose-built facility in 1937, and its formal opening in 1939 serve as milestones in the institutionalization of modern museology in Iran. gradually shifting its mission from artifact preservation toward public engagement and pedagogical outreach. Currently, the museum implements audience-centered programs including specialized tours, workshops for children and adolescents, seasonal cultural events, and collaborations with the Ministry of Education and academic institutions, however, it continues to face persistent challenges, such as a shortage of specialized educators. Looking ahead, the concept of the Learning Museum and the integration of digitization, Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence offer unprecedented opportunities for accessibility and dynamism. The paper argues that Iran’s experience reflects an indigenous trajectory reconciling international standards with national identity.

Keywords

Museum Education, Iran National Museum, National Identity, Audience Engagement, Digitization, The Learning Museum.