The visitor yearns for emotional stimulation – for the museum to provoke positive or negative arousal
To be moved
Motivations
Morris Hargreaves McIntyre. Audience knowledge digest: Why people visit museums and galleries, and what can be done to attract them. March 2007 [here]
Wonder
The visitor wants to be amazed by experiences that are awe inspiring, spectacular or surprising
Aesthetic pleasure
The visitor responds on an emotional level to art and natural beauty, without the need to intellectualise the experience
Stimulation
The visitor hopes to be deeply provoked by the experience and to be encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes
Contemplation
The museum provides a space to rationalise or consider, away from interruptions that might occur elsewhere
Escapism
The museum represents an alternative to everyday life – a place to have experiences that provide a pleasing contrast to their home or work