THE INTERPRETATION OF FUNCTIONAL ARTIFACTS IN ART MUSEUMS
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Authors
Huang, James Juntao
Issue Date
1991
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
1. Final Projects (Museum Studies) 2. Museum labels--California--San Francisco. 3. Art museums--California--San Francisco-- Visitors. 4. Art museums--California--San Francisco. 5. M.H. De Young Memorial Museum.
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate visitors' preferences for the interpretation of functional artifacts in art museums. A visitor's survey conducted in an art museum gallery of functional artifacts from other cultures determined whether visitors preferred to see these objects displayed and interpreted in a cultural and historical context, or strictly as aesthetic objects.
The objectives of the project were to survey visitors to the gallery of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas (AOA gallery) at the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum and to analyze the responses; to propose sample labels for functional artifacts from other cultures; and to make recommendations for museum professionals.
The information gathered through this project will benefit art museums in a number of ways. Knowing their audiences' preferences in viewing exhibits is a good way for evaluating existing display methods and improving future interpretive techniques. The results of the project will, after systematic analysis, help museum professionals propose standard guidelines that support the interpretation of functional artifacts in art museums.