Fundamentals

The installation period is when all the objects arrive in the exhibition space and are put on display. It culminates with the exhibition opening. The exhibition space should have been prepared in advance so that all building and decorating work is completed before the objects arrive.

All preparations have led up to this point and installation can be very exciting and quite demanding. Placing objects on display is a creative process and will take time. Even if the layout was planned in advance, seeing the objects in relation to each other may change the plan. Some items may look quite different when seen in a gallery setting.

Since there is a finite period of time for installation, it is important to plan as much as possible in advance and to factor in time for any changes. Constant communication is essential within the team as well as with contractors working on design, building, lighting and painting.

Everyone should know exactly when the objects will arrive and how much time there is to install each one. The main thing is to avoid surprises at this late stage. If planning has been done well, there will be enough time for exhibits to be safely installed as well as for lighting, labels and final cleaning and tidying up. With good planning and communication, there is no reason why the installation period should not go smoothly and be an enjoyable experience.

Planning for installation

The previous stages of exhibition organization had no time limit. Concept and planning can last months or years. Large international exhibitions often take several years from initial idea to the opening night, particularly if they include rare or valuable works of art. Even simple one-room displays can be a year in the planning. Everything changes, however, when installation begins. The time allotted is a fixed period and is usually short. It often comes between the previous display and the opening of the next exhibition and is squeezed at both ends. There is pressure to prepare for the opening event: sound engineers, caterers or security staff may be knocking on the door before the last work is safely installed.