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The Principles of Exhibition Making (Online)
Professional development course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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The V&A’s world-class exhibitions have attracted millions of visitors over the last decade. What do they have in common? What can we learn from them?
Over six weeks, go behind the scenes to explore how the V&A’s multi-skilled teams have imagined, built and delivered some of the most extraordinary exhibitions and museum experiences of recent times - and how you can carry their common principles into your own work.
Working with the V&A's expert staff and industry professionals, you will study the processes and driving ideas behind V&A exhibition-making: from concept to build design, you will get a 360-degree insight into the major considerations when putting on a show. Focusing on six key themes - mission, audience, research, experience design, project management and collaboration - this course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to feel more confident about putting on an exhibition of your own.
This course is primarily intended for people who are early or mid-career in the museum/heritage sector or people interested in working in exhibitions.
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Over six weeks, go behind the scenes to explore how the V&A’s multi-skilled teams have imagined, built and delivered some of the most extraordinary exhibitions and museum experiences of recent times - and how you can carry their common principles into your own work.
Working with the V&A's expert staff and industry professionals, you will study the processes and driving ideas behind V&A exhibition-making: from concept to build design, you will get a 360-degree insight into the major considerations when putting on a show. Focusing on six key themes - mission, audience, research, experience design, project management and collaboration - this course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to feel more confident about putting on an exhibition of your own.
This course is primarily intended for people who are early or mid-career in the museum/heritage sector or people interested in working in exhibitions.
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Course Leader
Dr Matilda Pye
Dr Matilda Pye is curator, educator and a V&A Research Institute, Paul Mellon, Public Engagement Fellow. Since 2004 she has worked with museums and galleries in the UK and Internationally including Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, Royal Museums Greenwich and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
Each week was thoughtfully curated and packed with interesting sessions and I found myself eagerly looking forward to the following week. Previous V&A Academy Professional Development Course Attendee
Course overview
This course will be delivered online and will be made up of live presentations, tutorials, panel discussions, exclusive interviews, and small-group workshop sessions, designed to create an engaging and interactive experience whichever time zone you are joining from. For more information on how this course will be delivered please see our V&A Academy online questions.
Over the course of six weeks participants will:
• Gain understanding of a broad range of current thinking and critical approaches around curatorial practice for temporary exhibitions
• Learn new methods of developing a proposal or concept for an exhibition
• Gather insights into technical processes involved in exhibition-making including planning, managing and delivery of exhibitions
• Gain understanding of a broad range of current thinking and critical approaches around curatorial practice for temporary exhibitions
• Learn new methods of developing a proposal or concept for an exhibition
• Gather insights into technical processes involved in exhibition-making including planning, managing and delivery of exhibitions
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations. Find out more >>
Enrol now
Professional development course: The Principles of Exhibition Making (Online)
13 October 2026 - 17 November 2026
£360.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
