Introduction
An exhibition is more than just putting objects into display cases. Every exhibition is a story. It takes you somewhere, connects you with things and people from different times and places. This article looks at some of the basic principles involved in creating a good museum exhibition. Whether you would like to work in a museum or just understand the process of creating an exhibition, it’s useful to know the basics of exhibition design.
What is the purpose of your exhibition?
Before choosing objects to include in the exhibition or designing the spaces they’ll be in, you first decide what you want visitors to understand from seeing the exhibition. Is it a history exhibit? An art exhibit? A science exhibit? A cultural exhibit? The purpose of your exhibition will determine which objects to choose, how the exhibition will be laid out, how you explain them, etc.
How do you choose objects for your exhibition?
The first step of an exhibition is to choose objects. You don’t just pick any old objects and stick them in a case. You select objects that relate to your exhibition topic. Think about:
- What objects tell the story you’re trying to tell?
- Which objects have historical, social or cultural significance?
- Which objects are in good enough condition to show visitors?
- Which objects will be interesting or educational?
Choose the best objects you can find to tell your story.
How do you design an exhibition?
Now that you know what objects you want to use and what you want people to get out of the exhibition, it’s time to think about how to put it together. What will the exhibition look like? How will people walk through it? What will people see when they enter? What will hold their attention? How will you present information about the objects in the exhibition? Here are a few things to consider:
- Where will people start in the gallery?
- Will there be clear pathways through the gallery?
- How will you light the objects?
- How big are your objects? Will they need to be in separate cases or together in one large case?
- How will you write labels for your objects?
- Are there ways you could allow visitors to participate in the exhibition?
These are all questions to ask yourself when you’re planning an exhibition. An exhibition that is easy to navigate, easy to understand, and enjoyable to visit is an effective exhibition.
How do you care for objects in your exhibition?
Objects in museums are often delicate and need special conditions to remain in good condition for future generations. When you place objects on display, you need to think about the conditions in which they’ll be displayed. How hot will it get? How humid? What kind of light will they be exposed to? What kind of display cases will they be in? All of these things matter for keeping objects in good condition. But they also shouldn’t make your objects harder to see. It’s a fine line to walk.
How do you work with other people?
Designing an exhibition is a collaborative effort. You’ll work with curators, exhibition designers, educators, conservators, registrars, graphic designers, and installation technicians. Each person brings their own perspective to the project, and everyone needs to agree on what’s best for the exhibition. Good communication is crucial to making sure everything goes smoothly. When everyone works well together, your exhibition will be historically accurate, visually appealing, informative, and safe for objects and visitors alike.
What does the future hold for museum exhibitions?
As museums change over time, exhibitions need to change too. Visitors are looking for new experiences, and museums are responding with new technologies and exhibits. Virtual tours, multimedia displays, hands-on activities, and accessibility are all becoming standard in many museums. Knowing how to create these types of exhibits will help you keep up with the changing world of museums.
Conclusion
There are many steps to creating an exhibition. First you decide what your exhibition is about, then you select objects to tell the story, then you figure out how to design it. Finally, you work with other people to make it happen. By thinking about all these things, you can create an exhibition that will entertain, inform, and preserve the past for future generations. And by understanding how exhibitions work, you can become an effective museum professional.