open air museums
Outside heritage displays
Open air museums are outdoor exhibitions of historic buildings, structures, or environments relocated or reconstructed on a single site.
Unlike traditional museums with artifacts behind glass, visitors walk through actual farmhouses, workshops, mills, and village streets: We spent the afternoon at the open air museum exploring 19th-century rural life.
Also called outdoor museums or folk museums.
Traditional regional building styles
- historic structuresSignificant old buildings
- farmsteadsRural agricultural dwellings
- windmillsRotating vaned power structures
- watermillsRiver-driven grinding structures
cottages · homesteads · thatched roofs · log cabins · rural life · customs · traditions · folklore
Assigned meaning
- guided toursTrips with an expert leader
- docentsTrained museum interpreters
- demonstrationsPublic displays of opinion
- school visitsOrganized trips to educational institutions
field trips · workshops · hands-on activities · blacksmithing · weaving · pottery · butter churning · candle making
Permanent change of residence
- reconstructionRebuilding after destruction
- dismantlingTaking apart systematically
- reassemblyFitting parts back together
- restorationReturning something to condition
conservation · salvage · timber framing · authenticity · documentation · historic preservation · craftspeople · traditional methods
Land designated as park
- pathwaysRoutes for walking
- walking trailsPedestrian routes through nature
- gardensCultivated planting areas
- orchardsFruit tree plantations
village greens · farmland · pastures · livestock · heritage breeds · scenic views · woodland · ponds
Entry or confession
- mapsGeographic visual representations
- visitor centerInformation point for guests
- gift shopStore selling mementos
- accessibilityEase of approach
family-friendly · photography · guided walks · special events · festivals · holiday celebrations · harvest festivals · craft fairs
folk architecture
Traditional regional building styles
- historic structuresSignificant old buildings
- farmsteadsRural agricultural dwellings
- windmillsRotating vaned power structures
watermills · cottages · homesteads · thatched roofs · log cabins · rural life · customs · traditions · folklore · handicrafts
interpretation
Assigned meaning
- guided toursTrips with an expert leader
- docentsTrained museum interpreters
- demonstrationsPublic displays of opinion
school visits · field trips · workshops · hands-on activities · blacksmithing · weaving · pottery · butter churning · candle making · spinning
relocation
Permanent change of residence
- reconstructionRebuilding after destruction
- dismantlingTaking apart systematically
- reassemblyFitting parts back together
restoration · conservation · salvage · timber framing · authenticity · documentation · historic preservation · craftspeople · traditional methods · weathering
parkland
Land designated as park
- pathwaysRoutes for walking
- walking trailsPedestrian routes through nature
- gardensCultivated planting areas
orchards · village greens · farmland · pastures · livestock · heritage breeds · scenic views · woodland · ponds · outdoor spaces
admission
Entry or confession
- mapsGeographic visual representations
- visitor centerInformation point for guests
- gift shopStore selling mementos
accessibility · family-friendly · photography · guided walks · special events · festivals · holiday celebrations · harvest festivals · craft fairs · summer activities
- museumsexhibits, galleries, exhibitions, exhibit, exhibition
- Lake Balatonsailing, ferry rides, promenade, promenades, waterfront