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Takeover Day Wales

Takeover Day is when museums, galleries, historic homes, archives and heritage sites invite young people in to take over jobs normally done by adults.

Since Takeover Day began in 2010, over 40,000 children and young people have taken part. In 2020, we celebrate 10 years of Takeover Day.

We established Takeover Day to help historic institutions empower young people and give them meaningful roles in their organisations. Over 5,000 people, from toddlers to 25 year olds, now take part each year.

Many participants have gone on to become more involved in the life of the museum as a result.

How can children and young people take over at my organisation?

“I don’t think museums are boring and old anymore.”Takeover Day participant

Takeover Day exists in all shapes, scales and forms, from one child to hundreds of children. Over the years, young people have:

  • taken over museum jobs and become tour guides, curators, shop assistants, cleaners, welcome hosts, receptionists, press officers and even conservators
  • co-curated exhibitions and events, including late night gigs, sleepovers or performances
  • delivered learning sessions for other groups of children
  • created merchandise for the shop
  • given their perspective and feedback on museum websites, events and interpretation
  • taken over museum social media channels. (You can find more about holding a social media takeover on our Digital Takeover page.

When is Takeover Day?

Our Kids in Museums Takeover Day 2021 will be our first themed event, timed to coincide with the UN Climate Conference COP26 in Glasgow. We are inviting you to get involved on the theme of climate action:

Friday 12 November 2021

Need some inspiration? Take a look at our guide to How to hold a climate themed Takeover Day. We also have a guide to holding a Takeover Day online or with social distancing.

Though we encourage you to get involved on 12 November to make the most of being part of a national event, you can hold a Takeover Day on whatever theme at any time of the year that works for your organisation. Remember to register it on our website to let us know.

We are also holding our annual Digital Takeover Day on Friday 25 June 2021.

Register your Takeover Day

Why should I take part?

“Takeover Day is the tip of the iceberg for a deeper approach we are aiming to achieve through longer term projects; it’s a great way to get started on this cultural shift.”Welsh Museum

For heritage organisations, Takeover Day is a great opportunity to connect with different groups of young people, attract new audiences, pilot new ways of working, and generate press coverage and social media reach.

For young people, Takeover Day is a unique chance to learn outside the classroom and discover what it’s like to work behind-the-scenes at a museum. We know that it helps to boost young people’s confidence and gives them a sense of ownership over their local museum and heritage.

Can I apply for funding to support my Takeover Day?

There are several organisations who may be able to provide funding for your event. Find out more about applying by clicking the links below:

How do I take part?

  • Sign up on our website as soon as possible to let us know you’re taking part. We will add your event to our online map, provide you with support materials and information, and help to promote your event on social media and in the press.
  • Look at our bilingual resources, from case studies, films, templates and top tips, to help you plan your Takeover Day.
  • Contact us if you have any questions by emailing [email protected]

Register your Takeover Day