Client:
National Museum in Kraków
Year:
2021
Cooperation:
Marta Żmija, Anna Dudziak, Marta Milej, Magdalena Szklarczyk-Kominko, Anna Kaleta, Oliwia Michniewska, Karolina Wiśniewska
Photos:
Radosław Kaźmierczak
Main Concept for the Exhibition Design at the Gallery of Polish Art of the 20th and 21st Century at the National Museum in Krakow
The main idea behind the exhibition design for the Gallery of Polish Art of the 20th and 21st Century at the National Museum in Krakow was to create a universal and timeless space. In designing this exhibition, our goal was to craft an appropriate "setting" for the exceptional works of art, ranging from the Young Poland period to contemporary, abstract pieces.
A crucial aspect of the exhibition design was considering the visitors – the museum guests. Therefore, we divided the exhibition space into two areas: the contemplation space, where visitors can engage with the artworks and immerse themselves in the narrative prepared by the exhibition curators, and the education space, where visitors can explore the cultural, historical, political, and social contexts. The "texts and contexts" spaces, in contrast to the "contemplative" world of the artworks, are sensory-rich areas that help visitors find connections between the world of art and other fields of life.
The diversity of the collection presented in the Gallery of Polish Art of the 20th and 21st Century required a subtle, minimalist, and elegant arrangement. The gallery space is subdued, dominated by noble white, natural oak wood, and modern lighting that highlights and directs the viewer's attention to the objects. The successive plans and perspectives draw the visitor into a journey among outstanding works of painting, graphics, sculpture, and craftsmanship.
Accessibility was also a significant consideration in the exhibition design. Therefore, we created pathways for people with disabilities and seating areas that allow visitors to rest comfortably. The exhibition space also includes educational elements for children. Visual information within the gallery and the object labels have been designed with great attention to readability.