How to get the most out of your museum visit

It's not common knowledge: many museums can be absolutely overwhelming. There are a few key choices you can make to combat their expansive footprint and dizzying amount of exhibits. Leave with a sense of wonder rather than the gnawing feeling you didn't see enough.

Check the website before you go. Pick a museum you actually want to visit, due to a special exhibit or an interactive area for your kids. The more you read about the museum's collections and layout before you go, the easier it will be to navigate, especially if there are crowds.

Dress comfortably. You're going to be on your feet, a lot. Wear your most reliable pair of shoes and bring layers (most museums are pretty cold to best preserve their collections). Unless you're going to an evening event, chances are you don't need to dress to impress.

Fuel up at the cafe. Grab a museum map (especially if you didn't have time to check the website beforehand) and sit down with a coffee or a snack. You're about to be walking and absorbing a lot of information. Most museums don't allow food in the galleries, too.

Ditch the phone. Even if the museum allows photography, try to keep technology in your pocket. It protects the collections from degrading due to the flash on your phone, and limits disruptions to other visitors. Most museums have postcards or art books with high quality images.

Talk to a docent. The museum staff standing in galleries aren't just there to make sure you don't touch anything. Docents are experts in the particular subject matter of that space and would love to talk with you and answer questions. Museums are meant to be collaborative spaces.

Pay for an audio tour. Missed out on a guided tour? Grab a headset and you can still fully immerse yourself in the museum. Audio tours are often full of unique facts about the museum's history and collections. It also takes the guess work out of what room to visit next.

Labels aren't everything. Museum fatigue is real. Instead of reading every sentence in the room, see what installation grabs your attention. Stand in front of that massive painting and let your eyes wander. Context is important, but there's no quiz at the end of your visit.

Take lots of breaks. Any good museum will have benches and chairs throughout the galleries. Find a quiet room, sit down, and people-watch. If the museum has a garden, step outside between exhibits. Your brain will thank you.

Limit your time. Most museums can't be seen in a day, so don't even try! Pick a floor or a wing based on your interests and don't spend more than two hours unless you're truly enjoying yourself. Remember: history, art, and science aren't going anywhere.