Blockbuster Exhibitions: a Case Study
Blockbuster Exhibitions: A Case Study
The contemporary blockbuster exhibit, which emerged in the museum world in the late twentieth century, has become increasingly popular among museums in the past few decades. Defined by Albert Elsen as a “large-scale loan exhibition which people who normally don’t go to museums will stand in line for hours to see,” these exhibits produce mass interest and wide-ranging excitement. In my paper I tackle the issue of the blockbuster exhibit and debate the pros and cons of this type of display through an analysis of the exhibit, Harry Potter: The Exhibition on display at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts. Does the display of such an exhibition harm the museum’s mission statement and core collection with its “theme park” type of display and potential lack of relevance to the museum’s purpose? Does it take away from the scholarly principle of the museum? Do benefits to funding and attendance figures dictate the museum’s policies regarding the presentation of exhibitions? Through the careful study of blockbuster exhibits I determine if museums are influenced by corporate money that sponsor such exhibits and whether such partnerships weaken the reputation and integrity of the museum.
The Museum of Science (MOS), originally founded as the Boston Society of Natural History in 1830, is located in Boston, Massachusetts. In its mission statement, the MOS states that its larger purpose is to "play a leading role in transforming the nation’s relationship with science and technology." The museum perceives its role as an educator and informal leader in the museum community that promotes science and advances young people’s comprehension of the subject matter. Its responsibilities are to use the collection as a tool for learning and to enhance the knowledge of preK-12th grade students.
On view in the red wing from October 25, 2009 through February 21, 2010, is the Harry Potter exhibition, a 10,000 square-foot
The contemporary blockbuster exhibit, which emerged in the museum world in the late twentieth century, has become increasingly popular among museums in the past few decades. Defined by Albert Elsen as a “large-scale loan exhibition which people who normally don’t go to museums will stand in line for hours to see,” these exhibits produce mass interest and wide-ranging excitement. In my paper I tackle the issue of the blockbuster exhibit and debate the pros and cons of this type of display through an analysis of the exhibit, Harry Potter: The Exhibition on display at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts. Does the display of such an exhibition harm the museum’s mission statement and core collection with its “theme park” type of display and potential lack of relevance to the museum’s purpose? Does it take away from the scholarly principle of the museum? Do benefits to funding and attendance figures dictate the museum’s policies regarding the presentation of exhibitions? Through the careful study of blockbuster exhibits I determine if museums are influenced by corporate money that sponsor such exhibits and whether such partnerships weaken the reputation and integrity of the museum.
The Museum of Science (MOS), originally founded as the Boston Society of Natural History in 1830, is located in Boston, Massachusetts. In its mission statement, the MOS states that its larger purpose is to "play a leading role in transforming the nation’s relationship with science and technology." The museum perceives its role as an educator and informal leader in the museum community that promotes science and advances young people’s comprehension of the subject matter. Its responsibilities are to use the collection as a tool for learning and to enhance the knowledge of preK-12th grade students.
On view in the red wing from October 25, 2009 through February 21, 2010, is the Harry Potter exhibition, a 10,000 square-foot
Bibliography: “Code of Ethics for Museums.” The American Association of Museums, http://www.aam-us.org/museumresources/ethics/coe.cfm, accessed December 8, 2009. Elsen, Albert. “Museum blockbusters: assessing the pros and cons.” Art in America (June, 1986) Feeney, Mark Fleming, David. “Blockbuster Exhibitions – Why?” ICOM Presentation, Seoul, October 6, 2004, http://www.intercom.museum/conferences/2004/fleming2.html, accessed December 8, 2009. “ Harry Potter To Cast Spell on Museum of Science, Boston.” Museum of Science Press Release, July, 22, 2009, http://www.mos.org/visitor_info/museum_news/press_releases&d=3852, accessed December 7, 2009. “The Mission Statement of the Museum of Science.” About the Museum, http://www.mos.org/visitor_info/about_the_museum, accessed December 7, 2009. West, Shearer. “The Devaluation of ‘Cultural Capital’ Post-Modern Democracy and the Art Blockbuster,” in Susan Pearce (Ed.), Art in Museums (Athlone: London, 1995) .