Auditioning Artifacts

We have a habit in museums.

We assume that artifacts somehow deserve to be shown.

They’re from the collection. They’re from the period. They’re authentic. And we need artifacts. So they belong in the exhibition, right?

Not necessarily.

In fact, only artifacts that supercharge the narrative should be chosen.

For all the dim lighting, vitrines, and wordy labels they demand, they better be good. If they aren’t, fifty or so mediocre objects don’t make storytelling drama. They make a poorly-lit obstacle course.

What if we thought of artifacts like performers, stepping into the spotlight? What if we made them audition?

Line ‘em up. Ask each:

What role are you playing?

Are you the decisive piece of evidence?

The emotional trigger?

The one thing a visitor would cross town to see?

If we cut you, does a key concept disappear?

If the artifact fumbles the audition, it doesn’t get the part. A single powerful,  meaningful object on stage is better than a hundred weak ones used for background decoration.

Here’s the thing:

Artifacts are performers, not placeholders. Audition them for the part. Only the ones that supercharge the narrative deserve stage time.

Warmly,
Jonathan

- - - - - - - - - - - -

MtM Word of the Day:
Egress. The pathways of rooms, doors, and corridors that allow visitors to exit a museum safely in an emergency. Egress routes must be planned in accordance with legal codes and be accessible to all.

NEW! The MtM Glossary of Museum Exhibitions (BETA)