History

MuseumNext was founded in 2009 by Jim Richardson, a marketing consultant working within the museum sector. Jim believed that technology was changing the expectations of museum audiences and wanted to create a forum to discuss digital and social media and the opportunities that these offered museums.

The first event was held in Newcastle upon Tyne, England and brought together seventy museum professionals for a workshop run by respected American museum consultant (and now Museum Director) Nina Simon.

Following the success of the first event, a one day conference was held in London in May 2010 with presentations from institutions including TATE, MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In 2011 the conference expanded to two days with MuseumNext Edinburgh, an event which attracted 250 delegates from 24 countries. Speakers included the Brooklyn Museum, Guggenheim and the Australian Museum.

While the conference has gone from strength to strength, MuseumNext is also active online with one of the leading blogs for the sector reaching thousands of people every week.

Our Philosophy

MuseumNext believe that technology is changing the expectations of museum audiences. They no longer want to have information just broadcasted at them; they want to create, to curate and to co-produce experiences.

Through our events we encourage new thinking and create a platform to discuss ‘what next?’