postexhibit

Postexhibit refers to the phase that follows the public display of an exhibit in museums, galleries, science centers, and related institutions. It encompasses administrative, curatorial, and educational activities that occur after the exhibit closes to the public, with the aim of closing out the project while preserving and extending its impact.

Key components of postexhibit work include deinstallation and conservation planning, cataloging and archiving objects, condition reporting, and the digitization or reproduction of materials for long-term access. It also involves evaluating the exhibit’s reach and effectiveness through visitor feedback, audience research, and impact assessments, as well as producing postexhibit materials such as summaries, catalogs, or online resources that document concepts, outcomes, and learnings.

Postexhibit activities often address dissemination and accessibility beyond the original installation. Institutions may repurpose or reuse objects in future exhibitions, lend pieces to other venues, or offer outreach programs and educational resources derived from the exhibit. Digital assets created during the exhibit, including photographs, videos, and interpretive texts, may be organized for ongoing access in online collections or archives, subject to permissions and copyright considerations.

The postexhibit period also informs future practice, guiding curatorial decisions, exhibit design, and budgeting. By capturing data and lessons learned, institutions aim to improve audience engagement, interpretive materials, and preservation plans for subsequent projects.