Q&A: A Drexel Student’s ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’ Exhibition Experience
By Alissa Falcone
The entrance to Curiouser and Curiouser, with Napoleon's looking-glass shown in the glass case. Photo credit: Mary Elizabeth Kulesa, BS art history and photography ’22 and MS arts administration and museum leadership ’23, collection specialist in the Drexel Founding Collection.
When Alice first starts her adventure into Wonderland — in both the 19th century classic novel by Lewis Carroll as well as the 20th and 21st century Disney movies — the young girl remarks, “Curiouser and curiouser!” as she makes her way into a strange new world.
For Niki Robertson, a recently graduated Drexel University student, that’s the kind of phrase and feeling she wanted to bring to an on-campus exhibition she curated.
Curiouser and Curiouser: Beyond the Glass uses art from the University’s historic collections to examine how wonder has shaped what has been displayed in private cabinets of curiosities from centuries ago to today’s modern public museums. Plus, it extends down a hallway leading to another student-curated exhibition — Drexel [Re]Framed: The Dragon Experience — further exploring the University’s historic and modern eras.
“My goal was to create a show that would both complement and expand upon our work. I want the show to pull visitors into a space of curiosity and receptivity, in preparation for them engaging with Drexel [Re[Framed in the Picture Gallery,” said Roberston, who earned a Master of Science degree in arts administration and museum leadership from the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design in December 2024.
Robertson developed the show as an exhibitions coordinator with the Drexel Founding Collection, the University’s main repository of art, and completed it as part of her practicum experience required for degree completion. Under her curation, the show highlights a variety of items from the Drexel Founding Collection, including several donated by the University’s founder, financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, as well as objects from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
“Curiouser and Curiouser is a prime example of experiential learning because it offered me an opportunity to learn while curating an exhibition within an academic setting,” she said.
Curiouser and Curiouser is now on display in the Rincliffe Gallery on the third floor of Drexel’s Main Building at 3141 Chestnut St. It is free and open to the public and will be on display through July 18.
In this Q&A, Robertson discussed how she developed the exhibition, how the experience impacted her academic and professional development opportunities and what her favorite parts of the exhibition are.
Q: How did you first get involved with the Drexel Founding Collection, and when was that?
A: My involvement began last spring, when I was taking the "Exhibitions and Programming" course as part of the museum leadership and arts administration graduate program. Our class collaborated with Lynn Clouser Waddell, executive director of University Collections & Exhibitions, and her team, planning and designing a new exhibition in the A.J. Drexel Picture Gallery. Our class discussions ultimately led to Drexel [Re]Framed: The Dragon Experience.
At the time, I was considering what kinds of projects I wanted to explore for my upcoming practicum. I decided that hands-on experience with collections management and exhibition planning would be the most ideal project, which led me to reach out to Lynn about potential practicum opportunities with the Drexel Founding Collection. I was incredibly excited to learn that she had several roles available for practicums, and I was originally welcomed to the collections team as an exhibitions coordinator.
Q: How would you describe this show, and what made you want to create an exhibit about that idea of personal wonder and public collections?
A: Curiouser & Curiouser: Beyond the Glass examines how wonder has shaped public knowledge and cultural institutions — all by exploring the “who, why and how” of collections. The exhibit invites visitors to embrace their curiosity and reflect on how we interpret objects and make meaning of the world around us. It highlights contributions from the Drexel community, traces the evolution of collection practices from private salons to modern museums, and explores the tools and motivations behind these collections. Plus, the show evokes the spirit of wonder and whimsy — especially through the familiar lens of “Alice in Wonderland.”
Q: What were some of your responsibilities with this show?
A: I had to develop the concept of the show, define the story I wanted to tell and figure out an engaging way to tell that story. I selected the objects to be displayed, considered how they would best represent the exhibition's themes and researched each item's history and how it came to be part of the Drexel Founding Collection. I crafted both the object labels and the broader narrative labels that guide visitors through the exhibition's story. Working closely with Lynn, I refined the exhibition layout and the installation of the objects and artwork. Additionally, I collaborated with our student graphic designer Lauryn Samson [graphic design ’25] on the visual style, ensuring the exhibition would be both informative and visually appealing for our audience.
Q: What were some of the most rewarding parts? What about challenges?
A: One of the most rewarding aspects of creating Curiouser and Curiouser was developing the concept and narrative for the exhibition. I loved selecting objects that would bring the story to life and constructing a cohesive vision that encourages the audience to engage with the exhibition on their own terms, without feeling obligated to derive a specific takeaway. Collaborating with Lynn, whose guidance and expertise were invaluable, gave me the confidence to create a show that feels both engaging and accessible.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect was finding the right storytelling voice for the introductory and interpretive labels, but this process pushed me to think critically about how to connect with the audience in meaningful ways. I needed to create labels that balanced being informative and approachable, which required careful thought and creativity.
Q: What are some of your favorite objects shown here?
A: One of my favorite objects in the exhibition is Napoleon’s looking-glass, a large and ornate gilded mirror that greets visitors at the Main Building entrance of the Rincliffe Gallery. It felt like a natural fit for the show and served as both an invitation to reflect and a nod to the book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and its sequel “Through the Looking-Glass.” I’m also particularly fond of the objects that could be considered mechanical wonders, such as the pocket watches and a decorative chatelaine watch. I chose these items to highlight the beauty that can be found in what would be considered everyday objects where functionality meets artistry and craftsmanship.
Q: How did this experience impact your academic and career plans?
A: Working with the Drexel Founding Collection was a transformative experience for my academic journey. The opportunity to gain practical experience in exhibition design, collections care and curation is rare for someone new to this field, and it was invaluable in bridging the gap between theory and practice. This experience has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, building skills that will serve me well in my career.
Working under the guidance of an exceptional director provided me with insights into effective leadership that will shape my approach to future roles. My writing and communication style has been impacted significantly. I’ve gained greater clarity in articulating abstract concepts and creative ideas to broader audiences. Designing the exhibition challenged me to think critically while giving me the freedom to express myself creatively. Overall, this experience has not only strengthened my confidence but also expanded my skill set in ways I hadn’t anticipated, leaving me excited and well-prepared for future opportunities in the museum and arts field.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to include?
A: The Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition was truly a collaborative effort, made possible by the dedication of artists, scientists, researchers and my fellow team members. The Drexel Founding Collection provided me with objects that allowed me to show the intricate connections between artistic expression, curiosity and innovation. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team, and this experience has not only resulted in an exhibition I'm proud of but has also enriched my understanding of the collaborative nature of museum work.