The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston has unveiled a reimagined Art of the Americas wing, designed to broaden the historical narrative of the United States as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. According to Ethan Lasser, the museum’s chief of curatorial affairs and conservation, the new installation integrates previously unseen collection pieces with contemporary works to offer a more inclusive perspective on American history.
How Museums Are Changing Their Approach to History
Cultural institutions are increasingly shifting away from traditional, linear historical displays toward more thematic, inclusive storytelling. At the MFA, curators are actively re-evaluating how historic artifacts interact with one another. Lasser notes that the museum spent extensive time determining the physical placement of objects to maximize their “power and impact.”
This approach moves beyond simple chronological exhibits. By placing items like Paul Revere’s Liberty Bowl—a symbol of colonial defiance—next to the work of David Drake, an enslaved potter who inscribed poems on his vessels, the museum creates a direct dialogue between different facets of the American experience. This juxtaposition highlights the complexities of a nation where literacy was restricted for some while others exercised political agency.
David Drake, also known as “Dave the Potter,” famously signed his ceramic works in South Carolina during the mid-19th century, a period when it was illegal for enslaved people to learn to read or write.
Why Inclusivity Matters for Modern Collections
The updated galleries reflect a broader trend in the museum sector: the move toward representing marginalized voices that were historically excluded from institutional narratives. The MFA’s new wing features a significant increase in works by Native American and African American artists, as well as a dedicated gallery exploring the connections between Asia and the Americas.
Lasser emphasizes that these changes are driven by the evolving nature of the museum’s audience. “Our visitors have changed, and our city has changed, and these galleries speak to a new moment,” Lasser said. By diversifying the artists on display, the museum aims to provide a more accurate reflection of who helped shape the United States.
What Future Trends Will Shape Art Institutions?
Museums are expected to continue “digging into” their expansive, often under-utilized, basement collections to find works that challenge or broaden established historical timelines. The trend of rotating contemporary art into historic galleries serves to keep collections relevant to modern societal debates.
- Increased Accessibility: Expect more audio tours and interactive components designed to encourage visitor participation in interpreting art.
- Thematic Reorganization: Institutions will likely favor cross-cultural displays over strictly chronological or regional groupings.
- Collaborative Curation: Museums are increasingly inviting visitor feedback to help interpret the meaning of complex historical scenes.
When visiting a reimagined wing, use the provided audio guides. Curators often design these to highlight specific juxtapositions—like the 17-foot-long 18th-century Mexican painted screen—that might otherwise be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the new MFA gallery?
The new Art of the Americas wing focuses on telling a more inclusive story of the U.S., featuring a wider range of Native American, African American, and Asian-American art to reflect the diverse history of the nation.
Are these changes permanent?
According to Ethan Lasser, the MFA is constantly changing and evolving. Visitors should expect the museum to continue updating its displays to reflect new research and current societal conversations.
Can visitors participate in the exhibit?
Yes, the museum encourages visitors to engage with the works through audio tours and by contemplating the historical significance of the pieces on display, effectively acting as participants in the interpretation process.
Have you visited the new Art of the Americas wing at the MFA? Share your thoughts on the new displays in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Boston’s cultural scene.
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