Exhibition vs. Museum — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
Exhibitions are temporary displays of items on a specific theme, while museums are permanent institutions preserving and presenting historical, cultural, or scientific objects.
Difference Between Exhibition and Museum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Exhibitions are organized presentations that temporarily showcase artworks, artifacts, or themes, often for a specific purpose or event. Museums, on the other hand, are institutions that collect, preserve, research, and exhibit objects of historical, cultural, or scientific importance on a more permanent basis.
While exhibitions can take place within museums, galleries, or other venues and are designed to last for a limited time, museums are dedicated spaces that offer a permanent home for collections, hosting various exhibitions over time.
Exhibitions often focus on a particular theme, artist, or period, providing curated experiences that highlight specific narratives or ideas. Museums provide a broader context, offering diverse and comprehensive collections that span various themes and time periods.
The goal of an exhibition is to educate, entertain, or engage the public with a focused subject matter, using thematic displays to convey messages or stories. Museums aim to preserve heritage, educate the public about a wide range of subjects, and provide in-depth insight into their collections.
Exhibitions may charge admission fees or offer free entry, depending on their nature and hosting venue. Museums may have general admission fees, memberships, or free days, offering access to a wider range of exhibits and educational programs.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Temporary display
Permanent institution
Scope
Specific theme, artist, or period
Diverse collections across themes
Venue
Can occur in various locations
Dedicated spaces
Duration
Limited time
Permanent, with changing exhibitions
Purpose
Educate, entertain, engage on specific topics
Preserve heritage, educate on broad subjects
Compare with Definitions
Exhibition
Can be mobile or digital, adapting to various venues and audiences.
The digital art exhibition allowed remote visitors to explore interactive installations.
Museum
An institution that cares for (conserves) a collection of artifacts and other objects of artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance.
The museum's dinosaur bones are popular among visitors of all ages.
Exhibition
A public display of works of art or items of interest, held in an art gallery or museum or at a trade fair.
The photography exhibition showcased rare wildlife photographs.
Museum
Offers a permanent collection that can include a wide range of subjects.
The natural history museum displays specimens from billions of years of Earth's history.
Exhibition
Organized for the purpose of displaying specific items temporarily to the public.
The annual car exhibition attracts enthusiasts from around the world.
Museum
Engages in research, conservation, and education related to its collections.
Researchers at the museum are leading a study on ancient textiles.
Exhibition
Aimed at educating, engaging, or entertaining the audience on particular subjects.
The science exhibition for children sparked curiosity about space.
Museum
Often serves as a cultural hub, hosting events, exhibitions, and lectures.
The museum hosts monthly lectures on art history and cultural topics.
Exhibition
Focuses on a specific theme, artist, or historical period for a limited time.
The exhibition on Ancient Egypt was informative and engaging.
Museum
Provides educational programs, workshops, and activities for the public.
The museum's educational workshops teach children about ancient civilizations.
Exhibition
An exhibition, in the most general sense, is an organized presentation and display of a selection of items. In practice, exhibitions usually occur within a cultural or educational setting such as a museum, art gallery, park, library, exhibition hall, or World's fairs.
Museum
A museum ( mew-ZEE-əm; plural museums or, rarely, musea) is an institution that cares for (conserves) a collection of artifacts and other objects of artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance. Many public museums make these items available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary.
Exhibition
The act or an instance of exhibiting.
Museum
A building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited
The Museum of Modern Art
A museum curator
The museum is noted for its fine fossil collection
It is difficult to avoid the feeling that the city is now a living museum
Exhibition
Something exhibited; an exhibit.
Museum
A building, place, or institution devoted to the acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition, and educational interpretation of objects having scientific, historical, or artistic value.
Exhibition
A large-scale public showing, as of art objects or industrial or agricultural products.
Museum
A building or institution dedicated to the acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition, and educational interpretation of objects having scientific, historical, cultural or artistic value.
Visit the history museum
They're opening a new coin exhibition at the local museum.
Exhibition
Chiefly British A grant given to a scholar by a school or university.
Museum
A repository or a collection of natural, scientific, or literary curiosities, or of works of art.
Exhibition
An instance of exhibiting, or something exhibited.
Museum
A depository for collecting and displaying objects having scientific or historical or artistic value
Exhibition
A large-scale public showing of objects or products.
There was an art exhibition on in the town hall.
A boat exhibition
Exhibition
A public display, intentional or otherwise, generally characterised as negative, a shameful exhibition or a disgusting exhibition
Exhibition
A demonstration of personal skill or feelings.
Exhibition
(UK) A financial award or prize given to a student (who becomes an exhibitioner) by a school or university, usually on the basis of academic merit.
Exhibition
(sports) A game which does not impact the standings for any major cup or competition.
Exhibition
The act of exhibiting for inspection, or of holding forth to view; manifestation; display.
Exhibition
That which is exhibited, held forth, or displayed; also, any public show; a display of works of art, or of feats of skill, or of oratorical or dramatic ability; as, an exhibition of animals; an exhibition of pictures, statues, etc.; an industrial exhibition.
Exhibition
Sustenance; maintenance; allowance, esp. for meat and drink; pension.
What maintenance he from his friends receives,Like exhibition thou shalt have from me.
I have given more exhibitions to scholars, in my days, than to the priests.
Exhibition
The act of administering a remedy.
Exhibition
The act of exhibiting;
A remarkable exhibition of musicianship
Exhibition
A collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display
Common Curiosities
How long do exhibitions last?
Exhibitions can last from a few days to several months, depending on the venue and the nature of the display.
Can museums host exhibitions?
Yes, museums frequently host exhibitions to highlight specific themes, artists, or historical periods from their collections or borrowed items.
How do museums preserve their collections?
Museums use various conservation techniques, controlled environments, and research to preserve their collections for future generations.
How often do museum exhibits change?
Museums may change their exhibits periodically, ranging from a few months to several years, to showcase different parts of their collections or host special exhibitions.
Do exhibitions contribute to a museum's collection?
Exhibitions can sometimes lead to new acquisitions for a museum's collection, either through donations, purchases, or loans that become permanent.
Are all museums public?
While many museums are public institutions, some are privately owned. However, both types aim to educate and engage the public.
Can an exhibition be considered a museum?
No, an exhibition is a temporary event that showcases specific items, while a museum is a permanent institution that houses and exhibits collections.
How can one access digital exhibitions?
Digital exhibitions can be accessed through the websites or digital platforms of museums, galleries, or specific exhibition projects.
Do museums and exhibitions use technology?
Both museums and exhibitions increasingly use technology for interactive displays, digital tours, and enhancing the visitor experience.
What makes an exhibition successful?
A successful exhibition engages and educates its audience, effectively communicates its theme, and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Can exhibitions be interactive?
Yes, many exhibitions incorporate interactive elements to engage visitors more deeply with the subject matter.
How are exhibitions curated?
Exhibitions are curated by specialists who select and arrange items to convey a specific theme or narrative, often involving extensive research and planning.
What role do visitors play in exhibitions and museums?
Visitors are essential for bringing exhibitions and museums to life, engaging with the displays, contributing to the institutions' purposes, and spreading knowledge.
Why are museums important to society?
Museums play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, educating the public, fostering research, and promoting cultural understanding.
What types of museums exist?
There are many types of museums, including art, history, science, natural history, and specialized museums focusing on specific interests.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
