Exhibition Theory

Exhibition Theory suggests that the way a society or culture presents and displays its artifacts, art, and history reflects its values, priorities, and identity. It emphasizes that exhibitions—such as museums, galleries, and cultural displays—are not neutral but are purposeful in shaping public understanding, highlighting certain narratives while omitting others. Essentially, how a society chooses to showcase its collections reveals what it considers important, framing perceptions of history and culture for viewers and influencing collective memory.