Museums Without Exhibitions: A Contemporary Paradox

The article argues that exhibitions are essential to museums, transforming collections into new knowledge through critical analysis and curation. While some critics warn that an overreliance on exhibitions turns museums into 'event factories,' the author contends that exhibitions are culturally vital. The rise of open storage models, such as Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, where artworks are displayed based on conservation needs rather than curatorial narrative, exemplifies a shift in how audiences engage with art. This trend mirrors broader cultural phenomena: the depot as database, the exhibition as playlist, total accessibility versus curated selection. The author concludes that a museum without exhibitions is impossible, while exhibitions without museums are increasingly plausible. The piece was published in Artribune Magazine #65-66 and written by Stefano Monti, a partner at Monti&Taft, who specializes in management, advisory, and strategic positioning in the art market.