Museums on Call

Connecting Communities to Serve a Vital Need

The Illinois Association of Museums, with the support of our association peers such as the Association of Midwest Museums and the Mid‑Atlantic Association of Museums, is proud to continue expanding this regional effort into a nationwide initiative that brings museum‑based experiences directly into healthcare settings. Together, we are strengthening a network that ensures individuals in hospitals, hospices, and other care environments can access meaningful cultural engagement wherever they are in their health journey.

As this initiative expands, IAM is developing a centralized hub where healthcare providers across Illinois can access museum‑created activities designed for use by volunteers and staff. We invite museums of all sizes to contribute content that brings curiosity, comfort, and connection to patients and families. Submissions may include:

• Interactive activities — guess‑the‑artifact games, object‑based storytelling, museum mystery challenges
• Digital experiences — videos, virtual exhibit walkthroughs, short educational segments
• Hands‑on materials — 3D‑printed objects, tactile replicas, simple craft‑based activities
• Pop‑up exhibit proposals — short‑term displays that can be installed in participating healthcare facilities

By contributing, museums help ensure that cultural enrichment remains accessible to individuals who may no longer be able to visit museum spaces in person. This work reflects a shared belief across the museum and healthcare fields: from hospital to hospice, museums are for all.

IAM is also proud to be endorsed by the Illinois Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, whose commitment to person‑centered care aligns deeply with our mission. Their support underscores the value of museum‑based engagement as a meaningful complement to the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of individuals receiving hospice and palliative care.

Are you an association interested in supporting this effort? Contact IAM at illinoismuseums@gmail.com.

Healthcare Participants

Several healthcare organizations joined early to help shape the foundation of this growing initiative, including but not limited to:

• Transitions Care
• VITAS Healthcare
• Franciscan Health Olympia Fields

Their participation demonstrates the strong potential for museum–healthcare collaboration across the region and beyond.