The successful interpretation of art collections can be both challenging and contentious. How to avoid damaging the relationship between viewer and art work? How to tackle esoteric, complex or controversial themes? How to present the “meaning” of a work? How to involve audiences for whom looking at art is an entirely new experience?

As galleries search for ever-greater access, inclusion and engagement, in Interpreting the Art Museum experienced museum professionals share some of today’s most successful initiatives in art interpretation. Through thought-provoking essays and illustrated case studies, the work of leading international museums in interpreting both contemporary and classical art is explored, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Cleveland Museum of Art, Courtauld Institute of Art, J Paul Getty Museum, MoMA, Van Gogh Museum, and Yale University Art Gallery.