D&AD’s Post

Museums and libraries often feature rotating exhibits alongside their permanent collections. These temporary showcases offer a dynamic platform to highlight artifacts, stories, and themes that might not fit within the scope of permanent displays. From exploring niche topics to spotlighting emerging trends, temporary exhibits provide museums with the flexibility to stay current and experiment with new ideas. One of the most exciting aspects of temporary exhibits is their ability to address timely and relevant subjects. Whether it's a seasonal display at a nature center or an exhibit tackling pressing social issues, these installations offer visitors a fresh perspective on the world around them. Whether it's to spark dialogue, explore new narratives, or simply offer visitors something fresh and exciting, temporary exhibits can add vibrancy and depth to many museum experiences. If you're interested in exploring a new temporary exhibit idea, or thinking about converting a space into a rotating exhibit gallery, reach out to info@riggsward.com! 📷 "Two Hundred Years, Two Hundred Stories" at the Library of Virginia Silver MUSE Awards winner, 2023 #TemporaryExhibits #Temporaryexhibit #exhibitdesign #exhibitiondesign #exhibitdesigners #exhibitiondesigners 

🖼️ The Transformation of the Museum der Moderne Salzburg Between 2018 and 2022, the Museum der Moderne Salzburg embarked on a journey of transformation, reshaping not only its physical space but also its cultural footprint under the visionary leadership of Thorsten Sadowsky. 🌟 Visionary Leadership As Director from September 2018 to September 2022, Thorsten Sadowsky was instrumental in developing a new vision and mission for the Museum. His leadership saw the adoption of a set of values that galvanized the entire Museum team, driving extensive renovations and repositioning the Museum as a vibrant hub of art, photography, and visual arts. 🛠️ Extensive Renovations and International Standards The renovation measures undertaken were comprehensive, upgrading various Museum buildings to align with international standards for barrier-free access. This commitment to inclusivity has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the Museum but also made it more accessible to a broader audience. 🗣️ A Forum for Critical Discussion Under Sadowsky's guidance, the Museum repositioned itself as an international center of competence for image cultures. It embraced its role as a forum for discussion, taking a critical stance towards both historical and contemporary issues. This approach has invigorated the Museum's agenda, making it a beacon for contemporary art and socially relevant debates. 🌍 Addressing Postcolonialism and Global Perspectives The Museum's agenda included a critical reappraisal of postcolonialism and a remapping of the world through the lens of art. This bold move has positioned the Museum as a pioneer in addressing complex global issues, making it a leader in the art world. 🔍 Insights and Delights This transformation journey offers profound insights into how cultural institutions can evolve to stay relevant in today's dynamic world. The delight lies in witnessing how art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and change, bridging gaps between the past and present. #MuseumDerModerneSalzburg #CulturalTransformation #ArtLeadership #InclusiveArt #GlobalArtDiscussion #PostcolonialismInArt #MuseumRenovation

Have you ever wanted to do things differently? Working with our LAB partners at The Peale, we helped produce a small-scale exhibit that has room to grow and evolve. "Moses Williams: Cutter of Profiles" is an iterative presentation that actually invites visitors to comment on its design, text, and presentation. Sticky notes—with visitor comments—share the walls with small text panels. We think this approach allows museums to truly hear from their communities. Test out the exhibit if you're in the Baltimore area! https://lnkd.in/e4jegD6K #designthinking #agileprojectmanagement

Funded by Creative Europe, this groundbreaking project takes a giant leap toward the realization of the Experimenta Paisagem Museum—a unique concept of an open-air museum without walls. Landscape Together is not just an art project; it's a celebration of creativity seamlessly blending with the natural beauty of our surroundings. Imagine art installations in harmony with the landscape, creating an immersive experience for everyone. This project is a cornerstone of Experimenta Paisagem, a collaborative platform for territorial development. The ultimate goal? The creation of a museum accessible to all, rooted in democratic principles and the active participation of local communities. Picture an open-air museum where art is not confined by traditional boundaries. The Experimenta Paisagem Museum is designed to be a space for freedom, creativity, and inclusivity—a museum that transcends physical walls and welcomes everyone with open arms. At the heart of this initiative is the belief that art should be accessible to all. By involving local communities in the creative process, we aim to foster a sense of ownership and pride in the shared cultural heritage. Let's shape a museum where creativity knows no bounds, and nature is the canvas! Join us on this incredible journey as we unfold the possibilities of art, nature, and community coming together Photo Credentials: LT Launch_©MAG-Marques_de_Aguiar #LandscapeTogether #ExperimentaPaisagem #ArtMeetsNature #CreativeEurope

When you think of museums or galleries or auction houses you can’t help but think of buildings. Sometimes old stately stone ones with statues lurking on high. Sometimes modern ones decked out with glass. But what happens when there isn’t a building — when it’s closed for reconstruction, reinvention or rethinking? Without a building what’s an art house to do? From Florida to Oregon, dozens of museums across the country are wrestling with that question. Take the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, for example, which is awaiting a $75 million wing designed by Frederick Fisher and Partners, a project that includes new programming spaces and will become home to Gnatalie — the 75-foot green sauropod skeleton — when it opens in November. Or the Bronx Museum of the Arts, which is undergoing a $33 million renovation to integrate an existing extension into the building and relocate the entrance. Designed by Marvel, the renovation is expected to last until 2026.

The most compelling exhibits not only offer insights into the past or information about the world around us — they include a glimpse into the future, inspiration, and takeaway messages that shape the worldview of those who visit. This is a powerful thing — the power to shape solutions for the future. The forward-looking aspect of exhibits is essential in fostering a sense of responsibility and agency among visitors. By prompting reflection on the future implications of the content, exhibits can empower individuals to contribute positively to their communities and the world at large. Through thoughtful presentation and incorporation of takeaway messages, our collaborative approach ensures that exhibits not only inform and engage but also inspire action and change for a better tomorrow. Early on in the exhibit design process, we encourage our clients to consider the takeaway messages they want visitors to walk away with. How will your next exhibit shape the future? 📷 Conceptual designs we created for the National Building Museum #designingforsolutions #exhibitdesign #exhibitiondesign #exhibitiondesigners #exhibitdesigners 

How can museums shift from traditional power structures, to truly empowering historically excluded communities? The Clyfford Still Museum is bringing a careful and collaborative approach to this work through a powerful partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. By reconnecting with descendants of individuals depicted in Clyfford Still’s portraits, the museum is fostering genuine, long-term collaboration that prioritizes the voices and perspectives of the Tribal community. Their initiative also goes beyond the present collaboration—it's about rethinking the role of museums in building shared, reciprocal futures. 🔗 Explore how this partnership is creating new pathways for cultural engagement: https://lnkd.in/gUysX6t2

Alaine Arnott, Ph.D. Arnott, Ph.D. I’m curious what you mean by “being ostracized, for not ‘conforming’ to another”, what exactly do you believe the museum has been pressured to conform to? What about these requirements are harmful or unhelpful? Ideally, diversity and inclusion should be viewed as progress, correct? So where is the disconnect in the policy that’s written? Do you feel speaking out on what’s happening to the Palestinian people would be “conforming” to what’s being asked of the museum? I for one would love to see the museum standing firmly in it’s advocacy for the rights of those who need their voices amplified. No matter the cost. I would’ve felt immensely more supported as an employee and a woman if the museum had shown any kind of support or solidarity when Roe v. Wade was overturned, knowing the staff is majority women. But the institution was completely silent. Maybe I need to do some research of my own on DEI requirements to understand why they seem to be so oppressive to the mission of National Liberty Museum? Is this a shortcoming of DEI requirements, or the shortcoming of a institution that ultimately wishes to be conservative? If that’s the case…. Just own it. But if your institution truly wants to fight for liberty, there should be no question of how to remain steadfast in that goal.

We're always talking about how museums can improve, innovate, and tackle the challenges of the future. But who is preserving the stories of the museums that have disappeared? Since the pandemic, we've seen so many beloved cultural institutions shut their doors forever. 😢 When a #museum closes, it's not just a building that's lost - it's an entire community that's left grieving. Take the case of the Plainville Museum of American History. This small-town gem closed its doors in 2020 after over 50 years of bringing the past to life for locals and tourists alike. 🥲 Despite the tireless efforts of its dedicated staff, rising costs and dwindling attendance ultimately forced the museum to shutter. Stories like this are all too common. Whether it's shifting demographics, funding shortfalls, or changing community priorities, there are so many factors that can lead to a museum's demise. And when these institutions disappear, we lose irreplaceable pieces of our cultural heritage. As one former curator lamented, "it's not just the artifacts and exhibits that vanish - it's the living memory of a community." The Plainville Museum may be gone, but the lives it touched and the history it preserved deserve to be remembered. This kind of critical self-reflection is so important. When we deny the past, we risk repeating the same mistakes. 🤔 And the stories of these lost museums hold vital lessons for ensuring a sustainable future. So I have to ask - what forgotten museums have touched your life? Whose stories need to be preserved? Let's start a conversation and make sure these important legacies aren't lost to time. 💬 #MuseumMemories #CulturalHeritage #SustainableMuseums

As visitor expectations continue to evolve, so too must museum spaces. Gone are the days when museums were simply places to view artifacts behind glass. Today’s audiences seek interactive, personalized experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Adapting to these changing demands is essential for museums to remain relevant and engaging. This evolution involves rethinking traditional layouts and incorporating flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of experiences, from hands-on activities to multimedia presentations. Creating adaptive museum spaces requires a balance between preserving the integrity of the collection and introducing new, engaging elements. It’s about understanding that visitors are not just passive observers but active participants in their learning journey. Whether it’s through modular exhibit designs that can be easily updated or creating communal areas that encourage social interaction, the goal is to create environments that are both inviting and intellectually stimulating. By staying attuned to the needs and desires of modern audiences, Riggs Ward Design helps museums transform their spaces into dynamic environments that inspire curiosity and foster lifelong learning. 📷 MUSE Winston-Salem #exhibitdesign #exhibitiondesign #exhibitdesigners #exhibitiondesigners #evolvingmuseums #museums #museumculture #museumprofessionals #communitydesign