Exhibitions & curation
Creating visitor orientation programs that use pre-visit materials to prepare diverse audiences for exhibition content.
A practical, inclusive guide to structuring pre-visit resources that help diverse audiences enter exhibitions with confidence, curiosity, and context, while reducing barriers to meaningful engagement and sustained learning.
Published by
Louis Harris
July 19, 2025 - 3 min Read
Orientation programs for visitors begin long before they step inside a gallery. By offering pre-visit materials, institutions set expectations, demystify unfamiliar topics, and invite participation from people with varied backgrounds and abilities. The most effective resources acknowledge linguistic diversity, accessibility needs, and different learning styles. They also frame the exhibition’s themes in everyday terms without oversimplifying core ideas. Preparation is not merely a courtesy; it is a strategy that expands access, encourages dialogue, and strengthens trust between audiences and institutions. When thoughtfully designed, pre-visit content becomes a bridge to deeper, more personal encounters with art and ideas.
Start by identifying what audiences already know and what they might find intimidating or opaque. Engage community partners to map knowledge gaps and cultural contexts that influence interpretation. A well-crafted pre-visit package includes a concise overview, vocabulary explanations, and clear goals for what visitors can expect to gain from a gallery visit. Visual glossaries, short captions, audio options, and translated materials provide multiple entry points. Importantly, the materials should invite inquiry rather than prescribe conclusions. This approach treats visitors as co-creators capable of bringing their own experiences into conversation with the artwork, thereby increasing relevance and retention.
Build multilingual, multimodal materials that welcome diverse perspectives.
The human-centered approach to pre-visit materials begins with listening. Museums can collaborate with educators, students, families, and elders to learn which aspects of an exhibition matter most to them. From these conversations emerge aims that emphasize curiosity, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue. Pre-visit resources then tailor guidance to support those aims, offering prompts, scenarios, and possible questions that readers can bring into the gallery. When materials reflect real-world concerns—identity, memory, community, technology, or social justice—the encounter feels meaningful rather than ornamental. The result is a sense of belonging that accompanies strangers and regulars alike as they explore new imagery and narratives.
Accessibility remains central to every successful pre-visit program. Materials should be available in multiple formats, including large print, screen-reader friendly text, captioned videos, and sign language interpretations. Clear typography, high-contrast color schemes, and straightforward layouts reduce cognitive load and avoid sensory overload. Beyond format, ensure timing is realistic: give audiences enough time to engage with content without feeling rushed. Include options for offline access, such as printed guides or downloadable resources, so participation is possible for people with intermittent internet connections. A commitment to universal design signals respect for all visitors and invites broader, more inclusive conversations about art.
Design pre-visit content that invites dialogue and collaborative meaning making.
Language diversity is a strength, not a barrier. Pre-visit materials should include translations that capture nuance rather than merely converting words. Collaborate with bilingual educators and community reviewers to ensure accuracy and cultural resonance. Where possible, provide glossaries that explain theoretical terms in plain language and offer real-world examples that illuminate abstract concepts. Multimedia elements—short videos, audio narrations, and interactive captions—help learners of different ages and abilities. When audiences see their languages reflected in the resources, they feel seen, valued, and more willing to engage with exhibition content. This inclusive attitude often leads to richer discussions during the visit itself.
Equally important is the tone used in pre-visit content. A welcoming, nonjudgmental voice encourages experimentation and questions. Avoid prescriptive language that implies right answers or uniform interpretations. Instead, pose open-ended prompts and scenarios that invite personal connection to the work. Provide guidance for how to approach sensitive topics respectfully, including tips on handling strong reactions, differing opinions, or uncomfortable histories. This empathetic framing supports a broad spectrum of visitors, from lifelong learners to casual guests. When pre-visit materials model intellectual curiosity and humility, audiences enter the space ready to contribute thoughtfully.
Integrate pre-visit materials with on-site experiences for continuity.
A central aim of orientation materials is to empower visitors to become co-learners. Encourage families to discuss artworks together, or invite neighborhood groups to compare multiple works through guided prompts. Include activities that can be completed offline, such as reflective journals or sketch prompts, to accommodate visitors who learn best through hands-on engagement. Prepare questions that spark conversation but avoid dictating conclusions. Encourage visitors to document their own interpretations and bring them into post-visit conversations. This participatory approach strengthens memory, fosters social connections, and sustains interest beyond the gallery door.
Curatorial storytelling plays a critical role in shaping pre-visit content. Use concise narratives that connect the exhibition to everyday experiences and local histories. Pair storytelling with clear, artefact-based evidence so readers understand how meaning is constructed. Provide contextual anchors—time periods, social dynamics, artist intentions—without overwhelming readers with jargon. Visual supports such as timelines, map overlays, and annotated images help scaffold comprehension. The aim is to enable visitors to approach the exhibition with a framework that supports interpretation while remaining flexible enough to accommodate personal discoveries.
Foster collaboration with communities to sustain inclusive practice.
Continuity between pre-visit content and the actual visit strengthens learning outcomes. On-site staff can reference pre-visit prompts during tours, helping participants see lines of inquiry they already started. Digital touchpoints at the entrance—QR codes, short videos, or welcome messages—can reorient first-time visitors and remind returning guests of their prior explorations. Training frontline staff to recognize diverse needs and to invite ongoing dialogue further reinforces this continuity. A cohesive experience signals to audiences that their time and contributions matter. When visitors feel that preparation is valued, they are more likely to engage deeply, ask questions, and advocate for the program.
Evaluation and refinement are ongoing commitments. Collect feedback from diverse audiences about clarity, relevance, and accessibility of pre-visit materials. Use surveys, focus groups, micro-responses, and observation notes to capture a broad range of perspectives. An iterative process allows materials to evolve with community changes, new curatorial directions, and shifting cultural conversations. Share insights with partners and participants to demonstrate accountability and transparency. When updates reflect lived experiences, the resources stay fresh and useful, ensuring that orientation remains responsive rather than static.
The most resilient orientation programs grow from sustained partnerships rather than one-off consultations. Establish advisory boards, community liaisons, and student-audience groups that contribute ideas year after year. Co-create materials with collaborators who bring different languages, histories, and learning styles to the table. This collaborative model distributes ownership and distributes responsibility for accessibility across the organization. It also creates ambassadors who can broaden reach and deepen impact. The result is a dynamic system where pre-visit resources reflect evolving community priorities, while exhibitions maintain their relevance across generations and cultural contexts.
Long-term strategy involves embedding orientation into institutional culture. Align pre-visit materials with education departments, audience development teams, and accessibility offices. Build professional development that trains staff to facilitate inclusive encounters, interpret sensitive topics, and adapt resources for emerging audiences. Publicize commitments to accessibility, multilingual access, and participatory design. Celebrate successes publicly, but also acknowledge challenges and missteps with honesty. By treating visitor orientation as a core responsibility rather than an add-on, museums create durable practices that welcome everyone to participate in meaningful, transformative experiences with art.
