exhibitionready

Exhibitionready is a term used in curatorial and museum practice to describe an object, artwork, or collection item that has been prepared and documented for display in a temporary or permanent exhibition. The designation signals that the item meets defined standards for handling, installation, interpretation, and risk management, enabling lenders, venues, and staff to plan with confidence.

Preparation typically combines conservation or stabilization work, thorough condition reporting, and comprehensive documentation. A condition report records material integrity, any past repairs, and current vulnerabilities. Documentation often includes provenance, accession numbers, dimensions, and high-resolution imagery. Administrative requirements may involve insurance values, loan agreements, and catalog entries. Packaging and framing are selected to protect the object in transit and on display, while mounting hardware, display cases, and environmental controls are specified for the venue.

The installation plan specifies how the work will be displayed, how it will be lit, secured, and accessed by visitors, and what installation team will perform the handling. Risk assessments, accessibility considerations, and emergency procedures are reviewed ahead of installation. Deinstallation and return logistics are also addressed to ensure the object can be moved safely after the show.

Exhibition readiness does not guarantee inclusion in a specific show or guarantee continued availability; it describes a state of preparedness that can facilitate scheduling and decision-making. The term is also used in digital contexts to indicate files formatted for display, with appropriate metadata and rights information.