The 2013 New York Times article “Setting a Place for History” begins with the declaration that “period rooms in art museums have the mustiest, dustiest of reputations.” What are the programming and interpretive challenges that face period rooms in museums? Or, to see the glass as half full, what unique opportunities do they offer?
Visit one or more of the period rooms in the Victoria & Albert Museum (such as the Norfolk House Music Room or the Manoir de la Tournerie Bedroom) and then brainstorm possible activities, installations, displays or interventions that might effectively utilize some of these spaces.
Do you enjoy viewing period rooms? Why or why not? Or when and when not?
