Michael Sheen is new patron of Kids in Museums @kidsinmuseums

kidsinmuseums.org.uk Michael credits his early inspiration and ambition to going to a museum as a child. ‘I remember my first visit to the British Museum and  discovering I had the power to travel through time and reach the furthest and most mysterious corners of the world. That visit made me realise anything was possible,’ he says.

Michael supports Kids in Museums mission to make such experiences open to every child.  ‘I’m thrilled to be a Patron of Kids in Museums, working to make all children and young people have the opportunities and experiences a museum can offer,’ he says. ‘A visit to a museum can be life changing for a child, opening their eyes to new things, ideas and conversations. Every child should have that chance. I’m pleased to be working with Kids in Museums to make that happen.’

As Patron, Michael will promote Kids in Museums’ work throughout the UK but in particular in his home country, Wales.


Five minutes with Michael Sheen
Michael Sheen, star of TV, film and stage, has played a wide variety of roles ranging from Tony Blair in The Queen and David Frost in Frost/Nixon to Aro in The Twilight Saga. The actor now tells us about his latest role as patron of Kids in Museums, an independent charity dedicated to making museums open and welcoming to all families.

What will your role as patron involve?
I’ll help Kids in Museums deliver their fantastic aim of making sure all children get the chance to experience the wonderful opportunities a museum can offer, in particular those who haven’t had the chance before. Of course, because I’m Welsh, I’m particularly interested in the charity’s work across Wales, working with tiny volunteer museums to big national museums, making sure they welcome everyone, of every age. Taking Over Museums – the annual day on which children are given a role in a museum which an adult would normally do – is a powerful, simple way of making that happen.


What made you want to get involved with Kids in Museums?

I am passionate about children exploring and experiencing the arts, and having the right to do so. I’ve worked with the Children’s Commissioner for Wales on issues concerning children’s rights. Young people have the right to a cultural life, just like anyone else. It enriches, educates and empowers them. It makes all our futures brighter.

More: discoverbritainmag