It has been difficult for contemporary art museum educators to help adults to overcome their expectations about what constitutes art. Likewise, many contemporary artists are using new technologies as their medium. They continue to interpret the world in ways that are abstract and difficult for adults to comprehend. Since the beginning of education in art museums, museum professionals have been experimenting with methods to teach adults to learn from looking at art. Educators recognize certain characteristics about adults and understand that programs need to be developed according to this criteria.
Adults tend to prefer traditional programs like lectures and symposiums or workshops and classes.
But in galleries, they prefer written didactic materials to audio interpretations. They like labels that are short and that take minimal time to read, but they also want information on a broad range of issues about the artist and the artworks. Adult participants on docent tours interact best with docents using a formal-unplanned tour techniques and they rarely question museum authorities. Rather, they see the museum as authority, and shy away from their own valid questions. When planning public programs for museums, contemporary art museums educators must take into account adult learning issues, the complex ideas inherent in contemporary art, and new technologies.