The experience I had at the museum tonight definitely challenged my previous ideas about museums. I always visited museums with the mindset that I was an observer, but never really went and discussed the ideas I generated about the art works I saw. However, tonight I got the chance to discuss my ideas, and even compare them to the ideas of my peers. This unique experience helped me realize that the true purpose of museums is not to observe, but to analyze and discuss. When you generate opinions and meaning from artwork, that is when you gain the most value from visiting museums, especially when you consider multiple perspectives. On that note, I would 100% encourage other Macaulay students to visit museums. I would also advise them to bring a friend because it makes the museum visit both more enjoyable and insightful.