Is Failure Actually the Mother of Invention?

“Learning is the only way to turn failure into success.”

Museums often celebrate ground-breaking discoveries, cutting-edge innovations, and cultural heritage. However, one museum in Sweden has taken a very different curatorial approach. The Museum of Failure showcases some of the most legendary commercial venture flops, including Bic for Her pens, Harley-Davidson Perfume, and even Google Glass. But the main message behind these colossal failures is how risk is necessary for innovation. According to their website, the psychology behind the museum is to illuminate how failure provides invaluable learning experiences. What a novel approach to education and engagement in museums! In addition to a physical exhibition space, the Museum of Failure is also hosting activities ranging from unappetizing high-end menu-tastings to classical piano concerts featuring failed compositions. 

The Museum of Failure is also welcoming further suggestions. The crazier the failure, the better!

From What is a 21st Century Curator blog series, By Jaime Clifton, Research Curator  

Is failure actually the mother of invention? The @MuseumofFailure thinks so!

Nokia N-Gage, image via Wikimedia Commons via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

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