Exhibits on View
Interested in seeing examples of Penn Libraries exhibits as you're thinking about your proposal? See what's currently on view at library locations across campus.
Propose an Exhibit
The Penn Libraries regularly showcases its circulating and special collections in public exhibits carefully curated by library staff, faculty, and students. Each academic year, the Libraries presents 8–10 exhibits, varying in size and scope. While most exhibits are scheduled years in advance, some projects are organized on shorter notice, depending on space availability.
Are you interested in curating an exhibit with Penn Libraries collections? Read below to learn how to get started!
Who can propose an exhibit?
Anyone can propose an exhibit; no special credentials or Penn affiliation are necessary. The exhibit program is a collaborative process, made for both seasoned and emerging curators alike. Depending on what group you fall into, you may need an institutional sponsor(s):
- Curators
- Departmental librarians
- Subject specialists
- Faculty*
- Students**
- Community member*
- Researcher*
*Requires institutional sponsor: Curator, Librarian, etc.
**Requires institutional sponsor and faculty member
How should I choose a topic?
Exhibition topics can vary from one show to the next. Here are some questions you ask yourself to help determine a topic and prepare you for the proposal process:
- What kind of story do I want to tell?
- What collection items at Penn Libraries help tell my story?
- Is my topic best shared through an exhibition? Why do I want to make an exhibition rather than a written publication or documentary?
- How does this story connect to other people?
- What kind of themes emerge from the collection of artifacts I've selected?
- Why should people care about this topic? Why is this topic important?
- Who else can I talk to on this topic to get informed perspectives?
- How do I want people to feel when they experience my exhibition? How can I evoke those feelings within a gallery space?
How do I submit a proposal?
Ready to propose an exhibit? As a first step, please send an email to Brittany Merriam, Director of Exhibits, and include the following information:
- What Penn Libraries collections you are interested in working with
- Brief description of the proposed exhibit topic
- Your proposed timeline
- Your Penn affiliation, if any
After the exhibits director has vetted your initial concept, you will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal. All proposals are vetted by an exhibits committee that meets on a rolling basis.
Exhibit Spaces
Exhibits are mounted in all sorts of spaces within the Libraries, from small display cases to larger galleries. Find descriptions of the exhibit spaces here.
Service Category
Audience Groups