It's been an eventful 12 months for museums and galleries. Museums Journal looks at some of the highs and lows of 2008

We gathered seven experts to find out what museums can and should offer in science education.

We gathered seven experts to find out what museums can and should offer in science education.

There's a serious intention behind a show that sites Old Masters alongside art produced by parents and their children, writes Felicity Heywood

In June 2004 arts funding organisation the Clore Duffield Foundation announced the first ever participants in an initiative to strengthen leadership in the cultural sector. Museums Journal catches up with some of the Clore Leadership Fellows from museums, and some who came from a different discipline but chose to do their secondments in museums

This month Historic Royal Palaces opens its newly restored palace at Kew featuring some ambitious interpretive techniques to tell the story of its past inhabitants. Museums Journal brought together some of the leading figures in historic houses and asked them what the future holds for interpretation

Museums Journal brought together eight leading figures in the sector and asked them to discuss what museums are for. Here are their thoughts

Paul Lilley tells Simon Stephens about the challenges of creating the British Music Experience from scratch

Insurance raises questions about risk, responsibility and the value of collections that are at the heart of what museums do. By Katrina Burroughs

Museums and galleries are making their resources go further by sharing skills and knowledge, writes Rebecca Atkinson

Art Fund director Stephen Deuchar tells Simon Stephens about his passion for collecting and the way forward for museum acquisitions.

Louise Gray hears how Shibden Hall is more than just the home of Anne Lister, its most famous owner