The Louvre Abu Dhabi recently hosted over 2,000 students and teachers for a unique educational initiative. The students and teachers had the opportunity to experience immersive learning experiences within the museum’s premises for a day. The initiative, known as ‘Students Takeover Monday’, saw students from Aldar Schools and New York University Abu Dhabi participating in various activities and workshops, exploring artworks, and showcasing their projects to a diverse audience.
The shift to a museum setting provided a relaxed environment for teachers to deliver the curriculum creatively, and students responded positively to the change in surroundings. Sarah Louise Nunn, head of education and public programming at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, highlighted that the museum’s expansive dome inspired teachers to engage students in innovative ways. The initiative aimed to expand learning beyond traditional classroom settings and allow students to directly interact with objects in the collection to explore various historical, cultural, and artistic concepts.
Teachers from Aldar Schools acknowledged the positive impact of the new surroundings on their creativity and the students’ learning experiences. Engaging in hands-on inquiry-based learning activities challenged students’ thinking and fostered interactive engagement. The opportunity to utilize the museum space in dynamic ways, such as bringing tapestries to life through drama skills or creating art inspired by the museum’s pieces, enhanced the students’ appreciation for art and history.
The educational initiative at the Louvre Abu Dhabi provided students with the opportunity to explore their creative side and make tangible connections between their learning and the artwork surrounding them. Activities such as completing treasure-hunt-style tasks in the map room and looking at art from different subject perspectives enhanced the students’ engagement and learning experience. Learning in a museum setting positively impacted the students’ confidence, language skills, and overall educational experience.
From a university perspective, the Louvre Abu Dhabi also served as a platform for professors to host classes and for students to participate in workshops and creative encounters. Mariet Westermann, Vice Chancellor of NYUAD, described the museum as an inspiring treasure house of world culture and history. Students like Violet Hyun were able to present their projects to a diverse audience, refining their communication skills and engaging with viewers outside of the academic sphere. The museum’s iconic dome provided a unique setting for students to socialize with their community and engage in creative encounters.
The educational initiative at the Louvre Abu Dhabi received positive feedback from both students and teachers, who appreciated the opportunity to learn in a museum setting and engage with artworks and historical artifacts. The initiative encouraged creative teaching methods and hands-on learning experiences, enhancing students’ understanding and appreciation of art, history, and culture. The museum’s educational department welcomes all educational institutions to connect and participate in future programs to continue promoting innovative learning experiences within the museum’s premises.
