Tietolaatut

Tietolaatut are information plaques used in museums, galleries, and archives to present essential contextual information about an object or exhibit. The term is Finnish and is commonly encountered in Finland and other Nordic contexts, referring to both short labels placed near items and longer interpretive panels.

Typical content includes the work’s title, creator or artist, date, technique or medium, dimensions, provenance or collection, and a concise description. Additional details may cover accession numbers, the owning institution, and notes on attribution or historical significance. Labels may also indicate the exhibit’s place within a broader collection or narrative.

Design and accessibility considerations guide common practice. Labels should be legible and durable, using clear typography, high contrast, and appropriate font sizes. Materials range from metal and laminated boards to acrylic or wood, chosen for longevity and placement. Text is often bilingual or multilingual (for example Finnish and Swedish in Finland, or English in international settings), and accessibility considerations may include easy-to-read fonts or alternative formats. Many modern tietolaatut incorporate digital elements such as QR codes, linking to extended online records, images, or multimedia explanations. Institutions increasingly align label content with metadata standards in their catalogs to support searchability and interoperability.

Variants and scope vary by institution. Micro-labels provide essential facts directly on or near the object, while larger wall labels or interpretive panels offer broader context and storytelling. Tietolaatut serve as a bridge between object and audience, aiding understanding, supporting preservation and cataloging workflows, and enhancing the educational value of exhibitions.