This document discusses the display, presentation, interpretation and communication of objects in on-site and off-site museums. It explains that museums utilize their surroundings through exhibition to educate people. Artifacts can be displayed in cases, on platforms, walls or in dioramas depending on the type. Displays must tell a story and guide visitors through exhibits in a clear flow. Interpretation bridges visitors' understanding by connecting them to museum content and ideas through storytelling. Effective communication in museums involves creating a comfortable atmosphere, active listening, being concise, and allowing two-way discussion.

1. Study Material for SPA CPP 2b: Archaeology
Display, presentation, interpretation and communication of objects
in "on site” and "off site" museums.
By: Dr Ashwani Asthana

2. Introduction:
Museum signifies man’s utilization of ultimate surroundings through exhibition or exhibited objects for the understanding
of mankind whether it is an “on site” or an "offsite" museum.
M- Man’s (Taken as the Homo Sapiens)
U- Utilization/Ultimate (Primary, Fundamental)
S- Surroundings (Environment-dynamic and static)
E- Exhibitions (of the selection from Collection/Exhibited)
U- Utilization/Ultimate (Primary, Fundamental)
M- Mankind (The Masses)
Museum signifies man’s utilization of ultimate surroundings through exhibition or exhibited objects for the
understanding of mankind. It is not just an educational institution; it’s a source of academic motivation and
amusement.

3. How artifacts are displayed and presented in museums?
Some of the most common techniques are inside a display case, on a platform, on a mannequin, on a wall, or in a diorama
depending upon the type of artefact you would display
Why is it important to display artefacts in a museum?
It is important to preserve artefacts from historical events so we can remember, learn about and honour those who were involved
What are the basic components of display and its presentation in a museum?
Components of Museum Exhibit Design
• The Emotional Component.
• The Intellectual Component.
• The Physical Component.
• Call Design Display for Outstanding Museum Exhibit Design!
How do you display an artefact?
Black works well to make your artefacts really “pop,” and white or unbleached fabric disappears into the background to give your
artefacts all of the attention. Almost anything 100% cotton will work: buckram, flannel, muslin, jersey, unbleached print cloth.
Shoot for something in a light or medium weight

8. How do you make a museum display presentable?
If you’re trying to design a permanent or temporary museum exhibit, you already know that they make the perfect
outing.
But it raises the question – how do you create great museum exhibit design?
Successful museum exhibit design enhances the experience your visitors receive and the learning or entertainment
value they take from it. No matter what you’re exhibiting, some suggestions can help any museum create a winning
display. Here are 10 tips for designing a great museum experience:
1. Have “Visitor Personas” and a Clear Audience in Mind
2. Tell a Story (and Stories within the Story!)
3. Create a Linear Flow Through the Museum Exhibit
4. Use Graphic Design to Create Interest, Flow and Focus
5. Incorporate Interactive Learning with Gamification
6. Embrace Technology in Your Museum Exhibit Design
7. Present Art and Artifacts in Interesting Ways
8. Divide Larger Exhibits into Sections
9. Use Consumer-Centric Marketing to Generate Buzz
10. Design with Clearly Defined Goals as Your Road Map

9. Interpretation
Interpretation is fundamental to the way museums develop exhibitions, and to the way visitors experience them.
But what exactly is interpretation? ………..
The simplest way to define interpretation is the way that museums engage their audience with collections,
information, and ideas. The metaphor of a bridge works quite well too, connecting visitors with museum content.
Storytelling is another useful shorthand for interpretation, particularly concerning engaging visitors’ hearts as
well as their minds
Communication
The term Communication is derived from the Latinword „Communis‟which meansCommon.That meansa common
group of understandingestablisheswhena person Communicates with another. “Communication is an exchange of
facts, ideas, opinion or emotions by two or more persons”.
Interpretation is abridge of meaningand a continuous process of telling, listening and understanding.In a museum,
the processof Communicationis held betweenthe receiver and resources of information through objects.
The progressand achievementsof the Country’s and its historical development also reflecting in their Collections and
unique resource, so it’s necessary to understand that the Museum can effectively respond for fulfilling
the public’s needs and requirements through its Collections or Objects, and without the proper Communication,
the purpose must not be fulfilled.

10. Important points for effective interpretation and communication:
A Comfortable atmosphere is essential which can be attentive to the number of interruptions, and it will be better
to avoid a busy area for communication and keep the focus on the listener.
 Good listening skills and showing a genuine interest are attributes of a successful communicator.
 Get to the point: Show value for people’s time by being as concise as possible when giving information. It
must not be lengthy.
 If the receiver is not sure what the person said, ask him or her to repeat it.
 Let others talk: - The communicator should keep the other person in mind giving him or her a chance to be
a part of the conversation.
 Vocal Cues: The listener will lose interest in what the communicator is saying and will become bored if he
uses excessive “filler works”.