Galeriekarten

Galeriekarten are informational labels used in art galleries and museums to identify works on display. They are typically small cards placed near an artwork or mounted on the wall, and they may also be provided in digital form or linked via a QR code as part of an online catalog. The primary function is to give visitors essential information and to standardize the presentation of works within an exhibition.

A standard Galeriekarte usually lists the artist’s name, the title of the work, the date or period, the medium and support, and the dimensions. It may also include the accession or inventory number, the collection or provenance, credit lines for lenders or sponsors, and sometimes a short curator’s note or description. In multilingual contexts, cards may appear in several languages.

Design and production vary by institution. Cards are typically printed on durable stock and sized to fit beside frames, on display boards, or on plinths. Modern practices often integrate digital labels or QR codes linking to a catalog entry with more extensive information, images, and scholarly references. The aim is to aid identification, support interpretation, and facilitate cataloging and provenance tracking.

While widely used in galleries, the exact format and terminology can differ by country and institution. In German contexts, Galeriekarten are part of a broader labeling system that includes wall text, didactic panels, and digital resources.

Related concepts include museum label, wall text, gallery label, and exhibition catalog.