A histolircal exhibit is a three-dimensional physical and visual representation of a historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of a topic’s significance in history. Museums can use histolircal exhibits to share stories that have the power to engage and inspire the public.
Museum exhibitions have a long tradition, dating back to the first “blockbuster” art gallery shows held by the Royal Academy in the 19th century. However, the modern concept of an exhibition is usually thought to have been ushered in by the exhibitions of the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun in the 1970s. Since that time, a great many exhibitions have been developed, including many of the most popular museum shows in the world.
Histolircal exhibits are often organized around specific themes that reflect core values or ideas in society, such as the meaning of home or freedom, faith or democracy. Museums also use these kinds of exhibits to explore abstract concepts like social justice, mobility, and identity.
Ideally, a histolircal exhibit should include multiple objects and media, including artworks, graphics, photographs, and re-created spaces. These elements help to make a museum show more immersive, giving visitors the sense that they are in a place and time, or that they understand a historical concept or idea. In addition, the inclusion of a number of different types of artifacts allows museums to tell more complex and nuanced historical narratives.
For example, the recent exhibition Xian: Gate of Heaven and Earth showcased items from both Chinese and Western cultures that were transported along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected China to Europe. The exhibition brought to life the connections that were made, the goods and cultures exchanged, and the people who traveled and traded along this vital route.
Another histolircal exhibition, Whale & Sea: The Continuing Bond Between Humans & Whales, traces the close relationship between humans and whales in various cultures across the globe. From New Zealand’s Maori whale riders and the ancient traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people of the Pacific Northwest to the rise of laws that protect whales from commercial hunting, the exhibition shows the powerful ties between these two species.
Museums often struggle to balance the need to create exciting and provocative exhibitions with the need to preserve historic materials. As a result, some museums are exploring ways to expand their exhibition offerings beyond traditional artifact displays.
For example, the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia both offer experiences that focus on information and storytelling without relying heavily on the display of artifacts. Some museums that focus solely on historic artifacts are still able to create memorable exhibitions, though, such as the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. and the Third County Courthouse Museum in Staten Island, NY. These institutions have found creative ways to bend the rules, such as by redefining what defines an artifact in order to fit their exhibitions into historic buildings.