Materiality in Museums

Materiality in museums refers to the use of physical properties of an object to articulate meaning. It is a way of framing cultural objects through their physicality and their ability to have physical reactions with the world. This impacts how we understand and experience these objects; it informs the narration we begin creating for them. In doing so, we begin to develop interpretations that are modeled with connections and empathy.

Evaluation of Materiality in Museums:

Through the lenses of materials, techniques, and process, studies have found a significant increase in understanding art. This is just one graphic from the Art Institute of Chicago, but it successfully visualizes what it and other research say about using materiality in museums.

These physical techniques prompted an increase of engagement and interpretation. Most significantly, the study concluded that, “98 percent of the visitors who used the interactive then looked back at the object. Additionally, 50 percent of visitors who used the interactive were more likely to talk about or model empathy and make connections to their own lives”. Engagement is more likely to happen and be productive when formed with personal connections and from a source of empathy.

Broadening the Scope:

This alternate form of interpretation and narrative building can go beyond materiality and physicality. Knowledge building is vast and different for everyone. By developing interdisciplinary models, such as materiality and chemistry, confidence and comfort within museums are built. Alternate forms of engagement can include studio art, botanical garden, poetry, etc. These are all spaces and actions that go beyond the traditional process of being at a museum, but can broaden the way for people to engage and experience.