Rebranding art museums
Read Rebranding art museums and check the IELTS Reading answers. As anyone with even a passing interest in cultural institutions will know, art museums are adapting to keep up with changes in society. Do any of these newly developed spaces indicate a fundamental shift in the ways we engage with art…
Passage preview
As anyone with even a passing interest in cultural institutions will know, art museums are adapting to keep up with changes in society. Do any of these newly developed spaces indicate a fundamental shift in the ways we engage with art at the beginning of the twenty-first century? The answer is a qualified Yes and also, it must be said, No. A clear sense of this can be gained by considering the 2003 redevelopment of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city, in the light of the aspirations embodied in the original building that served as its template.
Vocabulary from this passage
13 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- adroit adjective
Clever or skillful in using the mind; having the mental flexibility to handle complex or conflicting priorities
The organization must be adroit in juggling commercial success with the preservation of serious art scholarship.
- ancillary adjective
Providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, institution, or established system
Revenue from ancillary services, such as room hire and shops, is now vital for the museum's sustainability.
- aspiration noun
A hope or ambition of achieving something; the underlying goals driving the design of significant cultural projects
The gallery's redevelopment reflects the aspirations of a modern society seeking more inclusive and engaging public spaces.
- conundrum noun
A confusing and difficult problem or question; a dilemma that is often hard to resolve in practice
The need to generate profit while preserving academic scholarship presents a significant conundrum for modern museum curators.
- embody verb
To be an expression of or give a tangible and visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling
The original architecture of the NGV embodied the innovative and bold spirit of the late 1960s.
- entrepreneurial adjective
Characterized by the taking of financial risks in the hope of profit; having an innovative and ambitious spirit
The architect's vision was considered entrepreneurial, pushing the boundaries of traditional museum design and functionality.
- impetus noun
The force or motivation behind a movement or change; a driving factor that accelerates a particular development
There is a growing impetus towards creating visitor-friendly museums that engage the general public more effectively.
- scholarship noun
Academic study or achievement; learning of a high level within a specific field of research or art
Museums must balance the imperative of public access with the need to advance serious artistic scholarship.
- spatially accommodating adjective
Describing an area that provides ample room or space for movement and diverse activities for various visitors
Unlike the new foyer, the older gallery spaces are much less spatially accommodating for large crowds of people.
- supersede verb
To take the place of something that is no longer useful or effective; to be replaced by modernity
The traditional model of the museum as a temple has been superseded by the concept of an open-ended forum.
- supplant verb
To supersede and replace something, often through strategy or by being more attractive to the target audience
In some modern projects, spectacular architecture can supplant the actual artworks as the museum's primary attraction.
- unprecedented emphasis noun
A level of importance or focus given to something that has never occurred or been known in history
The design placed an unprecedented emphasis on ancillary roles like corporate functions and large-scale public performances.
- withstand the test of time verb
To remain popular, relevant, or effective over a long period despite changes in trends or societal norms
While the collection remains important, the building's windowless exterior has not withstood the test of time well.
Answers with explanations
- 27. C
In the first paragraph, the author questions whether newly developed spaces indicate a shift in the ways we **engage with art**. This directly supports option C, as the writer is fundamentally considering the influence of gallery **spaces (design)** on art engagement and appreciation.
- 28. B
The writer criticizes the 1968 design for its exterior and moat, which created an unwelcoming expression of the museum as being **set apart from the everyday world**. This validates option B, as the building tended to make art seem **remote** and inaccessible to everyday life.
- 29. C
When discussing the new NGV, the writer expresses frustration: **"where has the art gone?"** and notes that a cloakroom is **screening off our vision**. This aligns with option C, as the writer is frustrated because the art is obscured or hidden by the entrance facilities.
- 30. B
The passage explains that because the permanent collection is free, the NGV **needs something** to keep the paying public coming back, finding the **answer** in blockbuster exhibitions. This proves option B, that these exhibitions are a **financial necessity** for the institution's ongoing viability.
- 31. NO
The statement claims Roy Grounds failed to recognise the importance of functions and performances. However, the text says his design included a Great Hall representing an **unprecedented emphasis** on **corporate functions and public performances**. This is a direct contradiction. Answer: NO.
- 32. NO
The statement claims Bellini rejects international trends. The text contradicts this by stating his design **reflects** what the **global museum** feels it should be emphasising. Because his design aligns with global trends rather than rejecting them, the answer is NO.
- 33. NOT GIVEN
The statement compares the success of Bellini's work on the NGV to his work on subsequent museum projects. While the text mentions the NGV renovation and global new projects, it **never mentions** or evaluates any **subsequent projects specifically by Bellini**. Therefore, the information is NOT GIVEN.
- 34. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims the NGV monitors the number of first-time visitors. The passage mentions that the redesign offers new avenues of engagement for **first-time visitors**, but it does **not state** whether the NGV actively tracks or **monitors their numbers**. Thus, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 35. YES
The statement asserts that too much change may have negative impacts. The text explicitly confirms this, stating that the effect of **too much innovation** (change) in museums can be **disastrous** (negative impacts). This matches the author's claim perfectly. Answer: YES.
- 36. F
The question looks for the result of having a large space. The text explains that the vast Great Hall proved wise because it addressed the need to **generate additional funds** via room hire. This matches option F, stating it will have the capability of **increasing revenue**.
- 37. E
The text states that allowing children to **roam at large** serves as an introduction to visiting museums, and its positive **impact on attendance** cannot be overestimated. This corresponds to option E, which correctly notes that this will **encourage museum visitors** in the future.
- 38. C
The sentence begins with the condition of placing too much emphasis on the building. The text confirms that at its extreme, new buildings **supplant the artworks** inside them to become the attractions. This aligns directly with option C, meaning the **art loses its importance**.
- 39. A
The passage warns that an over-reliance or prevalence of 'rental' blockbusters introduces an **'off the rack' feeling** to the exhibition programme. 'Off the rack' implies something generic and not unique, which perfectly matches option A, stating the programme will **lose its individuality**.
- 40. D
The question asks what an organization must do to continue being successful. The text concludes that an adroit (successful/skillful) organisation like the NGV needs to be able to **juggle numerous, often conflicting priorities**. This directly matches option D: it will have to **balance opposing demands**.