Overview

In a society where split-second decisions about the value of things are grounded on how they look, museum visitors are often drawn to visually striking or iconic objects. This book investigates the question of the treatment of items on display in museums which are less conspicuous but potentially just as important as the striking objects, arguing that it is important to show that all objects illustrate potentially interesting cultural contexts and content. The authors explore the disciplines of architecture, design, cognitive science and museology and offer a methodology by which the quality of museum exhibitions can be judged from a visitor-centred perspective. They provide new insights into the visitor-object encounter and the relationship between visitors, objects and museums. In addition the book offers a set of useful practical tools for museum professionals - for audience research, evaluating museum displays, and for designing new galleries and striking exhibitions. Richly illustrated with photos and diagrams, and based on studies of famous galleries in world-renowned museums, the book will be essential reading for all those concerned with creating effective exhibitions in museum.

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9780815399513

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Reviews

'Why do visitors pay more attention to some objects than others in permanent displays? How can museums engage visitors more effectively with less immediately appealing artefacts? Qualitative research and varied case studies provide the back-bone of this thought-provoking volume which offers illuminating insights into what makes effective object-based displays.' Stuart Frost, British Museum, UK 'In Museums and Silent Objects, the authors have broken new ground by focusing not on the spectacular and iconic items on display, but the less significant ones which nevertheless have fascinating stories. Through detailed research using examples from three museum galleries, underpinned by a range of theoretical perspectives, they produce practical advice for museum professionals on how to give these silent objects a new voice.' Nick Merriman, The Manchester Museum, UK 'This work is highly recommended for both students and practitioners. It will be of equal benefit to information professionals planning to exhibit 'silent objects' like rare books, archival material or other documentary heritage items or similar items from contemporary culture, or for those considering and evaluating the impact of these 'silent objects' in exhibitions designed by themselves or others.' Australian Library Journal

Author Information

Francesca Monti is an independent researcher and museum consultant. She completed her PhD in Museum Studies at University College London, UK. Suzanne Keene is Emeritus Reader in Museum and Heritage Studies at University College London. She chairs the Organising Committee of the London conference series Electronic Visualisation and the Arts (EVA). She is also a trustee of the Collections Trust and a member of the Editorial Board for the journal ’Museum Management and Curatorship’.

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