The project grew out of the museum's desire to enrich the experiences it offers families by combining independent learning with live teaching. A range of programs and activities, from multi-day courses to family backpacks filled with educational activities, encourage families to enjoy the museum and learn from its rich resources. Among the goals of the project are to stimulate more repeat family visits to the museum and to create a greater awareness that the museum is a destination for leisure-time family learning.
Programs center on six themes represented in the museum's and library's collections.
As an audience-centered project, World Art and Cultures draws on visitor research and the museum's experience. For example, families need a welcoming atmosphere and a building and programs that are easy to navigate. They are looking for varied formats to fit varied lifestyles. Families also need programs that fit the range of ways different families work together as social groups and learn as individuals. Conveniently, the Denver Central Public Library is the museum's next-door neighbor.