Most museums today are expected to “go digital”—but very few are given the tools that actually make that possible. Especially smaller museums.
Too often, what’s out there is expensive, hard to use, and built for institutions with entire tech teams. The reality for many small museums is very different: limited budgets, no dedicated digital staff, and teams already stretched thin doing everything from programming to collections to fundraising.
That’s the gap we’re focused on at Museable.
We’ve spent years working with cultural organizations of all sizes, and again and again we’ve seen the same thing: dedicated teams doing incredible work, trying to make the most of tools that were never designed for them.
Most Tools Weren’t Made With Small Museums in Mind
The problem isn’t a lack of technology. It’s that most digital platforms assume you have time, money, and IT support on hand. Many smaller museums don’t. And when you’re dealing with clunky dashboards, high subscription fees, locked in contracts, or confusing back-ends, digital engagement becomes one more burden instead of a support.
Museable is built for that exact scenario. We’re a WordPress plugin that helps small museums manage and publish their collections, create digital exhibitions, and connect with audiences—on their own terms. You don’t have to rebuild your website. You don’t need a developer. You don’t need a whole new system. You just need something that works.
At a time when cultural institutions are facing unprecedented scrutiny and reduced support, having tools that lighten the load—not add to it—matters more than ever.
Tools Should Respect Your Time
Creating a digital exhibition isn’t just about uploading content. It’s about deciding how to tell a story. That takes time, thought, and care—and we think that work deserves tools that support it.
Museable is designed to respect your time and reduce digital friction. We prioritize features that are clear, easy to use, and actually help you do your job better—not just add more work.
We also don’t believe in locking people in. Our values are clear: we’ll earn your trust by being useful, not by trapping you.
Built With Care, Not Just Code
Museable is the evolution of twenty years of work as Navigation North. We’ve restructured as a Benefit Corporation, embraced open source, and recommitted ourselves to the mission of increasing access to educational and cultural resources.
We’re not interested in “disrupting” the museum sector. We’re here to serve it—with real tools, built alongside the people who use them. That means being open about our process. Listening more than we talk. And continuously improving, together.
We believe in standing with museum professionals—not just in words, but by designing technology that truly supports their work and values.
Our Values Are Simple
- Progress. We improve as we go. We learn by doing.
- Transparency. We build in the open. No secrets, no lock-in.
- Partnership. We’re here to support—not control—the way you work.
- Access. We want to make it easier to share, celebrate, and study the cultural resources that shape us.
Museums do the essential work of helping communities connect with history, culture, and each other. But they need digital tools that fit their reality—not ones that assume they’re something they’re not.
That’s what we’re building with Museable.
Tools that work. For museums that do everything.