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I’ve experienced museums from every angle: as a high school intern at the San Diego Natural History Museum, as a public school teacher leading field trips, as a curator behind the scenes, and now as the founder of ILA Institute, where I explore how people learn best in public spaces.

When you visit as many museums as I do, you start to notice patterns—what makes an exhibit unforgettable, where some institutions shine, and where others consistently fall short.

Over time, I realized that having a clear rating system helps not only me but also anyone who’s curious about exploring museums in a deeper way.

That’s why I created a simple five-star scale across five categories to give a fuller picture of what each museum offers.

While star ratings will never capture the entire experience, they can make it easier to compare museums and spark meaningful conversations about how we engage with culture.

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1. First Impression 😍

The entrance sets the tone. Is the lobby alive, welcoming, and well-designed, or does it feel empty and cold?

⭐ 1 star: Dull, confusing, or uninviting.
⭐⭐ 2 stars: Functional but flat.
⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars: Pleasant, clear, nothing memorable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars: Strong design, sets a positive mood.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars: Wow factor—an opening that excites you for the rest of the visit.

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2. Stuff to Do 🕹️

Museums shouldn’t just be about staring at glass cases. Are there things to touch, games to play, events to join, or interactive ways to learn?

⭐ 1 star: No interactivity—just “look, don’t touch.”
⭐⭐ 2 stars: A few interactive elements, but not engaging.
⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars: Solid mix of exhibits, some hands-on or participatory.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars: Plenty to do, from tactile objects to community events.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars: Fully alive—activities, events, and ways for every type of learner to connect.

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3. Things I Learned 🧠

Did I walk away knowing something new? Were exhibits explained through stories, context, or thoughtful details?

⭐ 1 star: Minimal info, confusing or boring.
⭐⭐ 2 stars: Some facts shared, but hard to absorb.
⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars: Clear info, some memorable takeaways.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars: Stories, context, and learning that sticks.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars: Inspiring knowledge—things I’ll remember and share later.

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4. Flow ✨

How easy is it to move through the space? Is there clear signage, good lighting, and a natural path?

⭐ 1 star: Confusing, poorly lit, or frustrating to navigate.
⭐⭐ 2 stars: Some guidance, but awkward or uneven.
⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars: Functional layout, mostly clear.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars: Thoughtful design with good flow and pacing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars: Seamless—everything feels intuitive, inviting, and well lit.

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5. Would I Come Back? 🔄

At the end of the day, the real test is this: do I want to return?

⭐ 1 star: Never again.
⭐⭐ 2 stars: Only if I had to.
⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars: Maybe, if there’s a new exhibit.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars: I’d happily return.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars: Absolutely—I’d tell others to visit too.

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Why Rate Museums at All?

Now, you might be wondering: doesn’t reducing a complex cultural space to a star rating oversimplify things? That’s a fair point—and it’s one of the challenges of any rating system.

On one hand, ratings:

• Make it easier to compare museums quickly.
• Highlight what’s working well (and what’s not).
• Encourage transparency and conversation.

On the other hand, ratings:

• Can oversimplify nuanced experiences.
• Risk being influenced by personal bias.
• Might overlook intangible moments that don’t fit neatly into categories.

That’s why I use ratings as a starting point, not the final word. The stars give structure, but the real magic comes from the stories, impressions, and experiences that unfold in between the numbers.

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The Journey Ahead

I’ll be visiting and rating museums regularly, sharing how they measure up in these five categories while also capturing the surprises and lessons that don’t always show up in the stars.

👉 Follow along on @ilainstitute to watch these ratings in action, see behind-the-scenes glimpses, and join the conversation about what makes a museum truly unforgettable.