Any subject can be the inspiration for an exhibition. It may be large or small, may consist of one exhibit or hundreds of items, and can range from unique, high-value works of art to small-scale, local-interest topics of no financial value. Once the domain of museums, exhibitions may be held in nontraditional venues and can be organized by anyone. In fact, any suitable space can be used to display cultural objects in a curated and organized way for the delight and benefit of the public.

Producing an exhibition can be exciting and absorbing. The process is challenging and creative and the results can have significant impact. Exhibitions do not organize themselves, however, and the range of possibilities for selecting objects, arranging displays and choosing venues can lead to a greater potential for things to go wrong. It is also important to understand exhibition rules and regulations and the laws governing loans, particularly if borrowing from abroad.

Each exhibition is unique: the same objects look completely different when shown in another space. The fundamentals of process, planning and organization, however, apply to any exhibition. Selecting objects, negotiating with lenders, and arranging transport and installation all need to be arranged so that everything goes smoothly. Ethical issues such as due diligence must be taken into account and legal requirements, including customs and excise and copyright law, must be followed. The objects must be properly cared for and safely returned, and the exhibition should open on time and on budget.

This book explains everything an exhibition organizer needs to know. Part 1 is a step-by-step process. Each stage, from initial idea through installation and maintenance to closure and evaluation, is set out in a clear sequence. Any project can follow the procedure and ensure that no key stage is left out. Part 2 is a reference section for readers who require in-depth advice on specific aspects of exhibition organization. It features international standards, law and due diligence and includes information on subjects such as copyright, hazardous materials and managing unclaimed loans. The book includes a list of the most common mistakes in mounting an exhibition as well as the top ten tips for a successful display. Using examples from real organizations and drawing on international standards for cultural collections, the book provides guidelines rather than rules and can be adapted to any situation.