Investigating informal learning at a cultural site

Based on a microeconomic theory framework, this paper explores in what extent the visit to a museum influences visitors’ informal learning. Empirically, a Heckman selection model has been employed that allows one to draw causal inferences in the observational setting. Survey data were collected at the South Tyrol's Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano (Italy) in 2011. More than half of the sample declared they had the opportunity to learn. The empirical specification reveals that pull factors have a positive effect on the propensity to learn new things. However, completing a previous visit does not increase the probability to learn more. These findings provide a useful policy tool to plan educational activities in the museum contributing to improve visitors’ human capital.