ARH-160 was taught by Susan Baley, Grinnell College Museum of Art. The course traveled to Washington, DC, Spring Break 2025. This course is an introduction to the history, theory, practice, and diversity of museums. Participants will focus on how museums are being reinvented in the 21st century by exploring issues around DEIA; globalization; decolonization; museum patronage; and inclusion and exclusion regarding artists’ work collected and displayed, museum audiences, and museum staff. The on-site learning component in Washington, DC will relate directly to the course’s focus on DEIA, globalization, decolonization, repatriation, inclusion, and relevance in museums.
Photos and captions contributed by Akilah Hampton ’25.
National Museum of African Art
The class listening to Docent Paula Hirschoff discuss a Rooster bronze from Benin representing the mother of an ooba at the National Museum of African Art.
Zev smiling at the camera while group listens to Docent Paula Hirschoff brief the group in the lobby of the National Museum of African Art before seeing the Benin Bronzes.
National Gallery (East Wing)
ARH-160 class taking a photo outside of the National Gallery as they wait for it to open to explore the first museum of the trip.
National Museum of the American Indian
The class in matching “Museum Person” t-shirts after finishing a tour of Sublime Light with Curator Emil Her Many Horses in the National Museum of the American Indian atrium.
Curator Emil Her Many Horses talks about how modern Native American artist are making the same style and symbolic work as their ancestors.
Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
(L to R) Maddie, Nora, Jackie, Susan, Evie, Ella, Leah, Curatorial Assistant CJ Greenhill Caldera, Curator Marina Isgro, Zev
The curatorial staff telling the class about the many sketches that the Pandolfo twins choose to have displayed in their exhibit Osgemos, telling cunning stories of working with the mischievous artist during installation at the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Renwick Gallery
Leigh and Lolah taking their time to enjoy the self-guided tour at the Renwick Gallery.
Milton Severe admiring the beautiful work of his fellow curator who works at the Renwick Gallery.
Group relaxing in awe at Janet Echelman’s 1.8 Renwick at the Renwick Gallery.