Many museums have specialized exhibitions, but some also have comprehensive historical shows. Some of these are located at the national or regional level, while others are found at local and city museums. Regardless of their size, all museums seek to engage visitors by presenting history in an interesting way. While exhibitions are only one aspect of a museum’s mission, they are an important part of the process because they present historical topics in a compelling way that can elicit an emotional response from the audience.
Despite their often limited shelf life, exhibitions play an important role in the cultural world because they allow the public to interact with historical objects and ideas. They also allow historians to reach a broad range of audiences by sharing their research and interpretations through the medium of an exhibit. This is in stark contrast to a monograph or academic article, which are intended to be read and absorbed in an isolated setting.
As such, exhibitions are a unique form of historical discourse. They must convey the dense research involved in composing a history, but they must be simple enough to avoid being a “book on the wall.” Additionally, they must also incorporate a human component that allows viewers to relate to the subject matter of the exhibit.
The goal of this column is to provide a forum for discussion of how museums can create engaging and inclusive visual stories using the medium of an exhibition. It will examine the challenges and rewards of this unique art form, while focusing on innovative work that stretches the boundaries of traditional historical scholarship.
Whether an exhibition reveals new connections between the academy and the museum profession, explores ways to strengthen collaborative efforts, or utilizes creative exhibit techniques to attract new or underserved audiences, this column will highlight them all. It will be difficult to review every major exhibition, but we will strive to focus on those that are particularly noteworthy in their innovation or significance.
The incorporation of historical elements into festivals is a great way to connect attendees with the cultural importance of an event. This can enhance the experience for all by allowing them to better understand the cultural significance of the event and its connection to their own lives. Incorporating historical exhibits into a festival can also increase its appeal to a broader audience by attracting those who are interested in learning about different time periods and cultures.