Art gallery exhibition installation requires meticulous planning, professional artwork handling, careful placement, precise lighting design, thorough documentation, and systematic execution. Whether you are installing a solo exhibition or a group show, this comprehensive checklist covers every aspect of gallery installation. From 4 weeks before through 2 weeks before, 1 week before, 3 days before, day before, morning of installation, during installation procedures, end of installation day, and post-installation activities, this guide ensures your exhibition installation proceeds safely and professionally.
This detailed checklist walks you through exhibition layout review, artwork delivery coordination, art handler scheduling, installation supply ordering, lighting design planning, gallery space preparation, wall preparation and painting, artwork receipt and condition reporting, wall preparation and mounting hardware installation, artwork placement and leveling, lighting positioning and adjustment, label and text installation, final inspection, and post-installation documentation. Each phase addresses specific installation needs, ensuring your exhibition is installed professionally and safely.
The four-week mark establishes the foundation for installation. Review exhibition layout and artwork placement plan to guide installation sequence. Confirm all artwork delivery dates and schedules with artists and shippers. Schedule professional art handlers and installers with appropriate experience.
Order necessary installation supplies and hardware well in advance. Plan lighting design and fixture requirements for optimal artwork presentation. Confirm gallery space availability and access for installation period. Review artwork dimensions and weight specifications to plan handling. Plan wall preparation and painting schedule. Confirm insurance coverage for installation period. Schedule gallery closure dates for installation. This phase establishes the strategic foundation.
Two weeks before installation focuses on detailed preparation. Finalize detailed installation timeline and schedule. Confirm all artwork condition reports are completed. Order exhibition labels and wall text materials.
Prepare gallery walls for painting and preparation. Test gallery lighting system and fixtures. Confirm installation team assignments and roles. Review artwork handling and safety protocols. Prepare installation tools and equipment inventory. Plan artwork unpacking and inspection procedures. Confirm security measures for installation period. Preparation ensures smooth execution.
One week before installation begins physical gallery preparation. Begin gallery wall preparation and painting. Install or update gallery lighting fixtures. Prepare gallery floor protection and covering.
Set up installation workspace and staging area. Confirm all installation supplies have arrived. Review installation procedures with team. Prepare artwork condition report forms. Test gallery climate control and environmental systems. Confirm artwork delivery appointments. Prepare emergency contact information and procedures. Physical preparation transforms the space.
Three days before installation involves final preparation. Complete gallery wall preparation and final painting. Finalize gallery lighting installation and testing. Prepare gallery for artwork arrival and staging.
Confirm installation team schedule and arrival times. Review artwork placement measurements and calculations. Prepare installation hardware and mounting systems. Test gallery security and access control systems. Confirm gallery closure and access restrictions. Prepare artwork unpacking area and materials. Review installation safety protocols and procedures. Final preparation ensures readiness.
The day before installation involves last-minute verification. Conduct final gallery space inspection and preparation. Confirm all installation supplies and tools are ready. Review installation timeline and artwork sequence.
Prepare artwork condition documentation materials. Confirm installation team assignments and responsibilities. Test all installation equipment and tools. Prepare gallery for artwork delivery and staging. Review artwork handling procedures and safety measures. Confirm security and access protocols for installation day. Prepare emergency procedures and contact information. Last-minute verification prevents problems.
The morning of installation requires early arrival and setup. Arrive early at gallery for installation preparation. Conduct final gallery space inspection. Set up installation workspace and staging area.
Prepare all installation tools and equipment. Review installation timeline and artwork sequence with team. Confirm installation team arrival and assignments. Prepare artwork condition report documentation. Test gallery lighting and environmental controls. Confirm artwork delivery schedules and arrival times. Review safety protocols and emergency procedures. Early setup prevents delays.
Artwork receipt requires careful handling and documentation. Receive and inspect artwork upon delivery. Complete detailed condition report for each artwork. Document artwork dimensions and specifications.
Verify artwork matches delivery documentation. Unpack artwork carefully using proper techniques. Inspect artwork for damage or condition issues. Document any condition issues immediately. Store artwork safely in staging area. Careful receipt protects artwork and establishes documentation baseline.
Wall preparation ensures secure artwork mounting. Mark artwork placement locations on walls. Measure and verify artwork placement heights. Locate wall studs and structural supports.
Prepare wall surfaces for mounting hardware. Install appropriate mounting hardware for each artwork. Test mounting hardware strength and security. Verify wall preparation meets artwork requirements. Proper wall preparation ensures secure installation.
Artwork placement requires precise positioning and secure mounting. Position artwork at designated installation location. Use proper lifting and handling techniques. Secure artwork to mounting hardware carefully.
Level artwork using appropriate tools and techniques. Verify artwork is securely mounted and stable. Check artwork alignment and spacing. Adjust artwork position as needed for optimal display. Document final artwork placement and measurements. Precise placement creates professional presentation.
Lighting installation enhances artwork presentation. Position gallery lights for optimal artwork illumination. Adjust light angles to minimize glare and reflections. Test lighting levels and adjust brightness as needed.
Ensure even lighting distribution across artwork. Verify lighting meets conservation requirements. Test lighting from multiple viewing angles. Document lighting settings and positions. Proper lighting showcases artwork effectively.
Label and text installation provides essential information. Install exhibition labels and wall text. Position labels at appropriate heights and distances. Verify label text accuracy and formatting.
Ensure labels are clearly visible and readable. Install artist statements and exhibition information. Position gallery map and wayfinding signage. Clear information enhances visitor experience.
End of installation day involves inspection and security. Conduct final inspection of all installed artwork. Verify all artwork is securely mounted and stable. Test all gallery lighting and make final adjustments.
Document any installation issues or concerns. Secure gallery space and artwork for overnight. Clean installation workspace and remove materials. Review installation progress and remaining tasks. Prepare gallery for next installation day if continuing. Proper wrap-up ensures continuity.
Post-installation activities complete the installation process. Complete final gallery walkthrough and inspection. Verify all artwork condition reports are complete. Test all gallery systems and environmental controls.
Conduct final lighting adjustments and optimization. Review installation documentation and records. Schedule artist walkthrough and approval. Prepare gallery for opening and public viewing. Archive installation documentation and photographs. Post-installation activities ensure exhibition readiness.
Throughout your installation process, keep these essential practices in mind:
Art gallery exhibition installation requires comprehensive planning, professional handling, careful placement, precise lighting, thorough documentation, and systematic execution. By following this detailed checklist, planning at 4 weeks, preparing at 2 weeks, beginning physical preparation at 1 week, completing final preparation at 3 days, verifying last-minute items the day before, setting up early in the morning, carefully receiving artwork, preparing walls securely, placing artwork precisely, installing lighting optimally, installing labels clearly, inspecting at end of day, and finalizing post-installation, you will be fully prepared for professional installation success. Remember that thorough preparation ensures artwork safety, professional presentation, proper documentation, secure mounting, optimal lighting, and successful exhibition readiness.
For more art gallery resources, explore our opening night preparation checklist, our visitor preparation guide, and our artwork acquisition checklist.