MCN 2026

Jaws drop. Eyes widen. Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast or profound that leads you to see the world in a different way. Regularly experiencing and reflecting on moments of awe can have long-term benefits for our minds, bodies, and social connections. It opens us up to new ways of thinking, shifts perspectives, and increases empathy. And art is the perfect place to start. 

The National Gallery of Art’s learning and engagement and visitor experience teams together with Dr. Dacher Keltner and the Social Interaction Lab at the University of California, Berkeley, have researched how people can cultivate awe through art. But how do we foster that experience online? The museum’s awe and digital content teams have experimented with developing interactive articles that encourage curiosity, wonder, emotional connection, and a deeper engagement with visual art. In this session, we’ll introduce you to the principles of awe, share insights from the National Gallery’s research, and explore how to adapt these findings into content choices—from pacing and tone to visuals and multimedia materials. You’ll leave with tools to help your online visitors pause, look closely, reflect, and find more awe in their lives.