Museum Life: Retail Therapy

American Folk Art Museum in NYC- Image by artist Jim Shores

If you visit museums you have surely succumbed to the presence of retail and plunked down your cash for a tangible reminder of your visit. On behalf of museums everywhere– thanks! My first paid position in a museum was as a Store Buyer and Manager. Now at mid-career I know it was the best introduction to the daily elements of museum work possible from budget creation and management to educational design and visitor service.

There are as many approaches to retail as there are museums, and you will find varied levels of  commitment to mission and adherence to the professional code of ethics that should govern the non-profit operations. The Museum Store Association was founded in 1955 and serves as the professional organization for those involved in the “cultural commerce industry”.  Having attended quite a few MSA conferences, I respect these professionals that often provide significant operating funds to institutions and are responsible for high levels of visitor interaction. “Exiting through the gift shop” is usually the last contact a visitor has with staff and can make or break return visits and ongoing support by patrons.

My philosophy is to treat the Store as part of educational outreach in addition to a profitable enterprise. In each museum I have worked, the Store staff have been trained as educators, and are expected to be the ambassadors for every area of the operation. Those who do it well combine knowledge of collections and program content with customer service abilities to present a consistent message and image for the institution.

Below are some of my personal favorites that combine educational message with creative product choices. Enjoy!

The American Folk Art Museum in New York City. The two shops in the Museum never disappoint for unique items beautifully designed with just enough humor to make the shopping experience a pleasure to be shared. Be ready for good old-fashioned mail order if you can’t visit. Definitely work the effort!

The British Museum in London. The vast collection provides endless possibilities for product, They have some of the best publications in the business as well as jewelry based on designs from around the world.

New Afghanistan exhibition catalog from The British Museum

The Field Museum in Chicago. A museum that combines history, natural history, sciences and art in scholarly and popular ways has a Store that does the same.

The Heard Museum in Phoenix. Because of the decades old relationships with artists and a commitment to authenticity in the Native American art market, The Heard is a trusted place to find jewelry, art, music and books. The world-famous indian Art Market is this weekend, at which you can meet the artisans behind the pieces you buy while immersing yourself in performances and food!

Museum of Anthropology at University of British Columbia, Vancouver. This is one of the finest shops I’ve seen anywhere, let alone on a University campus. From educational items for kids to high-end contemporary First Nations artwork, you can find unique products that are as diverse as the collections on exhibit.

Recycled exhibit banner totes- UBC Museum of Anthopology

Museum of New Mexico Foundation. This is an innovative business model in which one foundation carries out fundraising for multiple museums. This online store combines products made my New Mexico artisans in one section with pieces representative of  world cultures in another. Name a place and you’ll likely find an artist represented!

Beaded flask from Haiti- New Mexico Museum Foundation

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. SFMOMA combines an extensive book collection with gorgeous jewelry, unique household pieces and one of the best kids’ sections I’ve seen. Throw in their great logo items to carry around or wear and you can’t go wrong!

Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Hands down one of my favorite museums because of the depth of programming that corresponds to cutting edge exhibitions. The Store mixes international contemporary pieces with a nice focus on local artists and no fear of humor! They have one of my favorite museum shirts designed by their Teen Council that says “Boring and Non-Offensive“.

MN artist Amy Mueller grass & concrete jewelry- Walker Shop

Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. Even if you aren’t a major Warhol fan, the products presented here use the artist’s images in such creative ways that you might just want to surround yourself with them!

I’ll stop there for this installment. More Stores to come throughout this year of museum exploration. Send me your suggestions!