Date of Award
Spring 5-31-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master in Interior Architecture
Department
Interior Architecture
First Advisor
Can Altay
Second Advisor
Steven Lubar
Abstract
A period room represents the interior design and decorative art of a particular historical social setting, typically found in museums. Unlike the white cube gallery, period rooms offer immersive spaces that provide visitors a glimpse into domestic life and the experiences of those who lived in that moment. Stepping into a period room is like traveling back in time, where every piece of furniture and decoration tells us something about the past.
However, despite their immersive qualities, these rooms often lack broader historical context, misrepresenting socio-economic, political, and cultural dynamics of the periods they attempt to depict. They often glorify the lives of Eurocentric elites while neglecting the histories of underrepresented communities. Recent decisions by institutions like the Brooklyn Museum to auction off period rooms in favor of more diverse exhibitions highlight the growing disconnect between these spaces and contemporary audiences. What might the impact be if period rooms were reimagined to highlight marginalized stories, contributing to a fuller, more inclusive historical narrative? Such a shift has the potential to reshape visitor engagement, making museums more relevant and resonant with a broader contemporary audience.
These ideas are tested within the RISD Museum’s Charles Pendleton House, the first museum wing dedicated to the exhibition of American decorative arts. The wing features an extensive collection of imported luxury goods, including mahogany from the Caribbean and porcelain from China, which possess hidden histories of international trade, slavery, colonialism and economic equality—topics that are not thoroughly addressed in the period rooms. The transformation of spatial dynamics and exhibition displays in period rooms are examined. The goal is to move beyond minimal temporary interventions and instead focus on rethinking the architecture and exhibition context itself to create a more inclusive, resonant museum experience.
By eliminating existing walls and barriers the period room adapts into a more open, inviting space that encourages deeper interaction with its objects. Presenting artifacts at varying heights and unexpected angles offers visitors new visual perspectives, prompting them to question the traditional ideals embedded in these historical displays. Moreover, integrating contemporary artworks and newly uncovered historical artifacts alongside existing period pieces fosters a richer dialogue across time. This approach enables visitors to explore not only how these objects were used, but also the complex stories behind their creation, circulation, and cultural significance.
Recommended Citation
McPike, Jade, "A Seat at the Table: Expanding the Narrative of Period Rooms" (2025). Masters Theses. 1395.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1395
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