Oh, Darkness

Most objects in museum collections are photosensitive — they can be harmed by light. 

To preserve such objects, we can only display them lit dimly. So we have to light galleries dimly too, and even use dark interior colors. If we don’t, our objects will be hard to see.

We end up with a lot of darkness.

I once had a donor walk into a new exhibition of a Gutenberg Bible, and crank up all the lights. They thought Bibles should be bright, not dark. (We waited until they left and turned the lights back down. The registrar eventually regained consciousness.)

Why is darkness bad? Why isn’t it good? Why else did they make just one sun, put it far away from the Earth, and have the Earth rotate? Half the time, darkness is the whole idea.

Romantic dinners are dark — except for a candle. 

Broadway shows are dark — except for a spotlight. 

Fireworks festivals are dark — except for a brief burst of color.

When we want to have a good time, what’s our lighting scheme?

Darkness.

Here’s the thing:
Romantic dinners, Broadway shows, and fireworks are all dark, and it’s beautiful.

Why not our exhibitions?

Warmly,
Jonathan