Temporary exhibition

Definition

A temporary exhibition is a curated display of artifacts, artworks, or other objects that is open to the public for a limited time, typically lasting from a few weeks to several months. These exhibitions are designed to highlight specific themes, artists, or historical events and often aim to engage visitors in new and dynamic ways. They provide museums with the opportunity to refresh their offerings, attract different audiences, and showcase collections that may not be on permanent display.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Temporary exhibitions often feature borrowed works from other institutions, private collections, or artists, allowing museums to present new perspectives and expand their audience.
2. They can be designed around a variety of themes, such as cultural movements, historical periods, or specific artists, encouraging visitor engagement through interactive elements or multimedia presentations.
3. Museums may host educational programs, workshops, or guided tours specifically related to temporary exhibitions to enhance visitor understanding and interaction.
4. The planning of a temporary exhibition usually involves extensive research, collaboration with artists or experts in the field, and careful consideration of the target audience.
5. Temporary exhibitions can significantly impact attendance numbers, providing museums with opportunities to draw in visitors who may not typically engage with their permanent collections.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of temporary exhibitions contribute to a museum's strategy for audience engagement?
  • Temporary exhibitions contribute significantly to a museum's audience engagement strategy by offering fresh content that captures visitor interest. By showcasing diverse themes and rotating displays, museums can attract repeat visits from both locals and tourists. Additionally, interactive elements and educational programs associated with these exhibitions encourage deeper connections between visitors and the material presented.
• What are some key considerations curators must take into account when planning a temporary exhibition?
  • When planning a temporary exhibition, curators must consider several key factors including the theme and narrative they wish to present, the selection of artifacts or artworks that will best convey this message, and logistical aspects such as space layout and installation requirements. They also need to think about how to create an engaging visitor experience through design elements and educational programming that complement the exhibition's goals.
• Evaluate the impact that temporary exhibitions have on the overall mission of museums in contemporary society.
  • Temporary exhibitions play a crucial role in fulfilling the mission of museums by promoting cultural understanding, education, and accessibility. They allow institutions to respond to current events or trends while providing platforms for underrepresented voices in art and history. By diversifying their offerings through temporary exhibits, museums can attract wider audiences and foster community connections, ultimately enhancing their relevance in contemporary society.

Related terms

curation: The process of selecting, organizing, and presenting items in a way that enhances their meaning and context for an audience.

exhibition design: The art and science of creating an engaging and effective visual presentation of objects, often involving layout, lighting, and interpretive materials.

permanent collection: A set of artworks or artifacts that a museum owns and displays on a long-term basis, as opposed to temporary exhibitions which are time-limited.