Museum Education, Contemporary Architecture and Teenagers. A Step Towards the Shaping of Identity. Two Case Studies from MAXXI Education Department

Abstract

The article examines the educational role of museums –particularly regarding informal architecture education– from a singular perspective, the one of MAXXI-National Museum of the 21st Century Arts. It’s the first national museum devoted to contemporary art and architecture in Italy and promotes architecture education since its Education Department was set up. Starting from theoretical premises – the work of Eilean Hooper Greenhill above all - the article offers an overview of MAXXI and presents two case studies relating to architecture learning projects devoted to teenagers “RE-CYCLE. Experimental recycling workshop” and “Let me explain you contemporary architecture!” Stressing how museum education can influence the shaping of identity.