Takeover Day

Takeover Day is back again, the annual event in which museums, archives, galleries, historic sites and arts organisations all over London (and the UK) are taken over by children -- allowing them to make meaningful and powerful decisions. Over 5000 kids will get involved in doing the jobs that grown-ups usually do in museums and beyond.

In London, children will get the chance to shadow top jobs, offer their opinions on key issues and be involved in decision making alongside adults.

For example, your little darling may find him or herself as the Director of the Natural History Museum for the day, giving speeches, manning the visitor services desk or giving guided tours of the gallery.

A few years ago, at the Imperial War Museum, 20 school children took over planning and research for Remembrance Day commemorations. A delegation of six young people presented their findings to the museum Director and managers on 12 November.

The list of London museums getting involved includes the Natural History Museum, Museum of Brands, Wallace Collection, Jewish Museum of London, Royal Academy of Arts, Reading Agency, Museum of the Order of St John, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, Imperial War Museum, Westminster City Archives, London School of Economics Library, Geffrye Museum and the National Maritime Museum. Talk to your local museum or Tweet @kidsinmuseums and @takeovermuseums to get involved.

Day is run by Kids in Museums, a charity working with museums to make them more welcoming of children, young people and families.

Suitable for ages 8-14