Alistair Hardaker
Children across UK and international venues will work in conservation, curation and marketing roles today in Kids in Museums programme.
Nearly 4,000 children and young people will assume professional roles at museums, galleries, archives and heritage sites across the UK and internationally today, 21 November 2025, as part of the 15th annual Kids in Museums Takeover Day.
The programme, funded by Arts Council England, enables participants to gain hands-on experience across various museum functions including conservation, curation, marketing, retail and visitor experience. Since its inception in 2010, over 45,000 children and young people have participated in the initiative.
The 2025 event coincides with Discover! Creative Careers Month, a national programme aimed at inspiring 11 to 18-year-olds to explore opportunities in the creative industries.
Participating venues span England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and international locations.
In England, activities range from Somerset Heritage Centre’s Little Archive Helpers certification programme for Year 5 pupils to the National Army Museum, where children are working across multiple departments including finance.
The London Museum will see secondary school students rotating through front-of-house, social media, conservation and evaluation roles whilst devising visitor activities linked to current exhibitions.
Scottish venues include Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and V&A Dundee, whilst the National Library of Wales will see pupils working behind the scenes across 12 departments. Ulster Museum in Northern Ireland will engage young archaeologists in supporting Discovery Centres and presenting displays.
At the Museum of Chelmsford, Year 8 pupils will help shape new SEN-friendly days and review the museum’s spaces using SEN support items.
