What Drives Exhibition Ideas?

ID: WMA2026_583

Track:

This session explores the many starting points that shape exhibition concept development. Through case studies of temporary exhibitions at our various institutions, we will examine projects sparked by a variety of motivations such as specific collections, community partnerships, milestones, and more. Participants will also take part in a short interactive exercise, developing a “big idea” for an exhibition from a hypothetical prompt while considering the mission, audience, and constraints of their own institutions.

Session Information

Format: Regular session/panel (roundtable, single speaker, etc.)

Uniqueness: This session pairs real exhibition case studies with a hands-on activity, giving participants direct experience developing a “big idea” in response to common exhibition drivers.

Objectives: Recognize the diverse drivers of exhibition development. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the many forces that shape exhibition concepts, including collections, commemorative milestones, institutional priorities, and partnership opportunities. Through case studies, attendees will see how different starting points influence exhibition narratives, scope, and design decisions. Apply concept development strategies within institutional contexts. Through an interactive exercise, participants will practice developing a “big idea” for an exhibition based on a hypothetical prompt while considering the mission, audience, and constraints of their own institutions. This activity will help attendees translate abstract ideas into practical exhibition concepts. Build confidence in responding creatively to opportunities and constraints. By examining real examples and collaborating with peers, participants will learn how parameters such as a single object, a leadership request, or a community partnership can become catalysts for compelling exhibitions. Attendees will leave with strategies and inspiration to approach exhibition development more flexibly and creatively within their own organizations.

Engagement: Participants will work in small groups to develop a quick exhibition “big idea” based on a prompt such as an anniversary, community partnership, or single donated object. Attendees will be encouraged to consider the mission, audience, and constraints of their own institutions while shaping their concept. Groups will briefly share their ideas with the room. Resources needed include printed prompts, pens, and a slide or worksheet outlining the activity and guiding questions.

Relationship to Theme:

Audience

Audiences: Curators/Scientists/Historians 

Professional Level: All levels 

Scalability: This topic is relevant to museums of all sizes and types because exhibition ideas rarely begin in the same way. Institutions of every scale must respond to opportunities such as new acquisitions, anniversaries, leadership priorities, or community partnerships. By focusing on the underlying drivers of exhibition development rather than a single institutional model, the session highlights approaches that can be adapted to a wide range of contexts.

Participants