November 18, 2015

Today’s technology has allowed museums to create exhibits that are more dynamic and interactive than ever. However, exhibition planning and development is a highly dynamic process, and despite an increased emphasis on interactive and sophisticated design, the preservation of objects on display must remain a priority. On December 9 and 10, the Museum Leadership graduate program will co-sponsor and host a conference surrounding preservation and exhibit design, which is being presented by the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifact. Featuring such speakers as Gorden Anso of the National Gallery of Art, Barbara Buckley of the Barnes Foundation, Jeff Hirsch, AIA of Ewing Cole, Dr. Danielle Rice, program director of the Westphal Museum Leadership program, and John Zehren of the Field Museum, the conference will take place in the URBN Center Annex Screening Room (3401 Filbert St.) on both days from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

Findings from conservation laboratories frequently show that exhibitions can place a strain on physical objects. But, in light of technological advances, a well-designed exhibit has the potential to highlight objects safely and to aesthetic advantage.

Geared toward students, curators, librarians, archivists, registrars, security staff, exhibit designers, preparators, conservators, and any others involved in exhibition design and installation at cultural institutions, the two-day conference will provide training in a range of areas related to preservation and exhibition design.

Topics include incorporating preservation into the exhibition planning process; prioritizing conservation concerns while providing interactive experiences; preservation standards for exhibition; appropriate lighting; engineering and fabrication of exhibit cases; collections security; and understanding exhibition space design and construction.

Click here for more information about the conference, which will also include speakers from the Art Preservation Services, Image Permanence Institute, Robert Wittman, Inc, and Metcalf Architecture and Design.

Click here to learn more about the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA), a nonprofit conservation facility specializing in the treatment of works on paper, photographs, and books through conservation and state-of-the-art digital imaging services.