Making Museums Matter: How Colour Heroes Inspires Young Minds
Museums are more than just quiet halls filled with artefacts – they’re vibrant spaces where stories come alive, creativity flourishes and young people discover new ways to connect with the world. At the heart of this transformation is GEM (Group for Education in Museums), a UK-based organisation championing the power of informal learning in cultural spaces. Colour Heroes and GEM share a common mission: making museums more engaging, accessible and inspiring for young visitors. Together, they help transform museum experiences into dynamic learning adventures.
About GEM – The Group for Education in Museums
Established in 1948, GEM exists to champion and empower professionals working in museum, heritage and cultural education. They foster a passionate, supportive community where colleagues can connect, collaborate and grow together.
Their vision is a world where learning through culture is accessible to all – driven by a skilled, inclusive network of educators who create meaningful, transformative experiences across diverse settings. GEM believes in the power of cultural learning to promote equality and enrich lives.
To support this mission, GEM offers a wide range of services for museum educators, including:
Professional membership and networking opportunities
Training and continuing professional development
Career mentoring and guidance
Regular publications and resources
Regional and international representation across the UK, Europe and beyond
Why Young People Need Museums
In an age of digital distractions and academic pressures, museums offer something refreshingly different: a chance to explore, reflect and create. Yet engaging young audiences takes more than just opening the doors – it requires thoughtful programming, inclusive design and a deep understanding of what young people need. That’s where Colour Heroes steps in.
Colour Heroes have over 20 years of indispensable experience learning about what families expect from their day out. We help you to create high-quality, striking, educational and affordable children’s visitor resources to engage families during their visit to museums. We offer a complete service from original and fun concepts to exciting, colourful, printed resources, ready to grab young people’s attention, that include activity packs, illustrated maps, engaging trails, books, guides and tabletop activities.
As a GEM member and supplier, Colour Heroes supports museum educators by:
Creating tailored resources that align with a museum’s tone, brand and educational goals
Collaborating with curators, educators and visitor services to ensure materials are accurate and engaging
Designing inclusive trails and guidebooks that help children explore museum spaces independently or with family
Our work complements GEM’s mission to promote learning through museums by making exhibits more approachable and interactive for young audiences.
Some standout projects include:
Army Flying Museum: Illustrated indoor/outdoor maps and family resources that highlight aircraft and monuments while supporting school visits
Mary Rose Museum: A character-led trail featuring “Hatch”, guiding children through puzzles and fun facts
National Museum Wales: Dual-language trail sheets designed for six different sites, enhancing accessibility and engagement
These projects demonstrate how Colour Heroes helps museums increase dwell time, encourage return visits and create lasting memories for families.
Research That Drives Change
GEM’s recent study, commissioned by Arts Council England, sheds light on how museums can better serve young people. Through ten compelling case studies, the report reveals how informal learning in museums boosts well-being, nurtures creativity and fosters a sense of belonging. It’s not just about education, it’s about empowerment.
Inclusive Experiences That Resonate
Museums supported by GEM are reimagining what accessibility looks like:
The Roald Dahl Museum introduced “Quiet Days”, “Loud Days” and “Relaxed Days” to accommodate different sensory needs, making visits more comfortable for neurodiverse families.
Dorset Museum collaborated with care-experienced youth to co-curate We All Bloom Differently, an exhibition that gave young people a voice and a platform to share their stories.
These initiatives show that when museums listen, young people respond – with curiosity, confidence and creativity.
Building a Community of Practice
GEM doesn’t just support museums, it connects them. Through nationwide surveys, round-table discussions and training programs, GEM helps museum professionals share insights, troubleshoot challenges and co-create solutions. This collaborative spirit ensures that youth engagement isn’t just a trend – it’s a movement.
Training the Changemakers
GEM offers professional development tailored to youth engagement, equipping educators with the tools to design programmes that resonate. From storytelling workshops to inclusive design strategies, GEM’s resources help museums become more welcoming, imaginative and responsive to young visitors.
A Voice for Informal Learning
By advocating for the value of informal education, GEM ensures that museums are recognised as vital spaces for personal growth. Whether it’s a hands-on art activity or a quiet moment of reflection, GEM reminds us that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms – it happens wherever curiosity is nurtured.
GEM’s work is a powerful reminder that museums can and should be places where young people feel seen, heard and inspired. By supporting museum educators and complementing initiatives like GEM, Colour Heroes ensures that museums aren’t just places to visit – they’re places to belong.