The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, located on the University of Michigan campus, is a renowned institution dedicated to the study and preservation of archaeological artifacts from around the world. With a collection spanning over 100,000 objects, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient civilizations. The Kelsey Museum's exhibits are carefully curated to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural context of the artifacts on display. From the ancient Mediterranean to the Middle East and beyond, the museum's exhibits showcase the diversity and richness of human culture and experience.
Permanent Exhibits
The Kelsey Museum features a range of permanent exhibits that highlight the breadth and depth of its collections. The Medieval and Early Modern Gallery explores the art and culture of Europe during the Middle Ages, with a focus on the role of religion and trade in shaping the continent’s development. The Prehistoric and Ancient Near Eastern Gallery takes visitors on a journey through the earliest human societies, from the emergence of complex societies in Mesopotamia to the rise of ancient empires in Egypt and Greece. With over 5,000 artifacts on display, these galleries provide a fascinating overview of the Kelsey Museum’s collections.
Temporary Exhibits
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Kelsey Museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions that offer a fresh perspective on its collections. Recent exhibitions have included “The Art of the Ancient World”, which featured a selection of artifacts from the museum’s collections, including a 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic, and “Unmasking the Past”, which explored the role of masks in ancient cultures. These temporary exhibitions provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with the museum’s collections in new and innovative ways, and to experience the latest research and discoveries in the field of archaeology.
| Exhibit Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Medieval and Early Modern Gallery | Explores the art and culture of Europe during the Middle Ages |
| Prehistoric and Ancient Near Eastern Gallery | Takes visitors on a journey through the earliest human societies |
| The Art of the Ancient World | Features a selection of artifacts from the museum's collections, including a 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic |
Key Points
- The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology has a collection of over 100,000 objects from around the world
- The museum features a range of permanent and temporary exhibits that showcase the diversity and richness of human culture and experience
- The Medieval and Early Modern Gallery explores the art and culture of Europe during the Middle Ages
- The Prehistoric and Ancient Near Eastern Gallery takes visitors on a journey through the earliest human societies
- Temporary exhibitions provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with the museum's collections in new and innovative ways
The Kelsey Museum's exhibits are not only a testament to the richness and diversity of human culture, but also a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. With its commitment to scholarship, education, and community engagement, the Kelsey Museum is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in archaeology, history, and culture. Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply a curious visitor, the Kelsey Museum's exhibits offer a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to inspire and educate.
Behind the Scenes
But what goes into creating these exhibits? The process of curating an exhibit at the Kelsey Museum involves a range of specialists, from curators and conservators to educators and designers. The curatorial team is responsible for selecting the artifacts that will be displayed, as well as researching and writing the interpretive labels and other educational materials. The conservation team works to preserve and conserve the artifacts, ensuring that they are stable and secure for display. The education team develops programs and activities that help visitors engage with the exhibits and learn more about the artifacts on display.
Conservation and Preservation
Conservation and preservation are critical components of the Kelsey Museum’s mission. The museum’s conservation laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by a team of skilled conservators who work to preserve and conserve the artifacts in the museum’s collections. From radiocarbon dating to scanning electron microscopy, the conservators at the Kelsey Museum use a range of techniques to analyze and preserve the artifacts, ensuring that they will be available for study and appreciation for generations to come.
| Conservation Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Radiocarbon Dating | A method for determining the age of organic materials |
| Scanning Electron Microscopy | A technique for analyzing the surface morphology of artifacts |
| X-Ray Fluorescence | A non-destructive technique for analyzing the elemental composition of artifacts |
What is the Kelsey Museum’s mission?
+The Kelsey Museum’s mission is to advance knowledge of the past, promote cross-cultural understanding, and provide a unique educational experience for the University of Michigan community and the general public.
How does the Kelsey Museum acquire its artifacts?
+The Kelsey Museum acquires its artifacts through a variety of means, including excavation, purchase, and donation. The museum’s curators and conservators work closely with archaeologists, collectors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the artifacts are acquired and preserved in a responsible and ethical manner.
Can I visit the Kelsey Museum’s conservation laboratory?
+Yes, the Kelsey Museum offers tours of its conservation laboratory. Visitors can observe conservators at work and learn more about the techniques and methods used to preserve and conserve the museum’s artifacts.
