Illuminating Moments: A 30-Year Journey of the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
[Reporter Yoon Jae-yeol]
Is a museum merely a space for displaying artifacts? The Gyeonggi Provincial Museum has brought forth not just artifacts, but the essence of its own history in a special exhibition titled Illuminating Moments: The 30-Year Story of the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum, commemorating its 30th anniversary this year. Since its opening in 1996, the museum has embarked on a journey to excavate artifacts, spending countless nights preparing exhibitions, and cherishing the memories of visitors, including the curious eyes of children. This exhibition reflects on the moments and memories accumulated over the past three decades. It will be held from August 27, 2023, to March 1, 2027, on the first basement level of the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum.
The special exhibition is divided into five sections, with the first section focusing on reading the museum's 'time.' A chronological chart outlines the history of the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum, showcasing key moments of its growth. Various records, including reports and photographs, are displayed on the floor, encapsulating the time and effort invested by the museum staff in researching and preparing exhibitions.
The excitement and heart-pounding moments experienced when encountering artifacts for the first time are also captured in these records. Photographs of newly excavated artifacts and meticulously written notes reflect the passion of the museum staff from the moment they discover an artifact to when they share it with the world.
The second section highlights the museum's 'records.' The museum goes beyond merely discovering and preserving artifacts; it sheds light on the history and culture embedded within them through research and new interpretations. The results of this work blossom into exhibitions, catalogues, and educational materials, enriching the lives of local residents.
Over the past 30 years, the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum has held 156 exhibitions, sharing the stories of cultural heritage with the public. Each exhibition has provided visitors with a chance to confront the past, fostering new perspectives on our history and culture.
The desire to share the stories embedded within artifacts is evident in the 75 exhibition catalogues and 101 research reports produced. This is a testament to the museum's commitment to connecting the past with the present and bridging citizens with history.
The third section focuses on the stories of the museum staff, often overlooked. While visitors quietly engage with artifacts behind glass, countless hands and hours have shaped the journey of those artifacts. Some have walked the land to discover cultural heritage, while others have meticulously reviewed dusty documents. There are also those who have preserved, researched, and planned exhibitions, welcoming visitors.
Visitors can see photographs and hear the voices of the people who have worked behind the scenes. When asked what the museum means to them, responses varied from a place of opportunity and growth to a space filled with small, beautiful things. Despite the differences, their stories converge into the narrative of one museum, showcasing another 30 years ahead.
The fourth and fifth sections address 'the future' and 'memories.' The 'Cultural Heritage Drawing Contest for Elementary Students,' initiated in 1997, has seen participation from 16,364 children over 27 editions. The children's drawings displayed in the exhibition reflect their unique perspectives on cultural heritage, quietly illustrating the next 30 years of the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum.
As an archive, the museum collects, preserves, interprets, and connects records, bridging time. It serves as a starting point for moving into the future, with everyone involved—donors, exhibition preparers, and local visitors—contributing to the museum's history. Just like the exhibition title suggests, those moments are shining once again.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224399761323
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