UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE. A CHALLENGE AND AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE MUSEUM

The first University of the Third Age in Poland was established in 1975, and from that date the concept has been developing dynamically. The Senate of the Republic of Po-land announced 2012 to be the Year of Universities of the Third Age, confirming the prominent significance of these institutions. University of the Third Age students are particularly interested in offers suggested by museums. At present, 155 museums provide programs addressed to this group of recipients. This number should be even larger, and the offer - more diversified. Apart from lectures and tours there also exists the need for undertakings demanding even more involvement and making use of the methods and ideas employed by museum education. There are great chances for cooperation between museums and the University of the Third Age. The benefits of this collaboration could prove conducive for the students - potential members of the museum public.