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Museums hold a unique position in society, and their potential to lead on climate action is becoming increasingly evident. At the Green Museums Summit, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum shared its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of exhibitions.
This article explores how the museum’s Green Team, in partnership with Rute Collaborative Consulting, implemented a detailed carbon study for the Cecilia Vicuña exhibition. It delves into the challenges faced, the collaborative strategies employed, and the actionable insights gained, offering a roadmap for other museums to follow in embedding sustainability into their practices.
Examining the Carbon Footprint of Exhibitions
Understanding the environmental impact of exhibition design and production is essential for shaping sustainable practices in museums. The Guggenheim’s Green Team undertook a detailed carbon study focused on the Cecilia Vicuña exhibition, “Spin Spin Triangulene.” This initiative aimed to identify, track, and address carbon emissions associated with the exhibition, while also educating staff and visitors about the museum’s role in mitigating climate change.
As Megan Fontanella, curator of Modern Art and Provenance at the Guggenheim, noted, “Cecilia’s practice, deeply rooted in political activism and environmental concerns, made her an ideal partner for this case study. The collaboration highlighted the importance of aligning sustainability efforts with an artist’s vision.”
A Collaborative Approach to Reduction in Carbon Footprint
The success of the project lay in its collaborative nature. Representatives from across the museum—including curatorial, fabrication, exhibition design, and facilities departments—came together to analyse data and implement changes. Alexis Steiner, founder of Rute Collaborative Consulting, emphasised that “understanding the carbon impacts of our work is achievable when approached collaboratively.”
The team compiled a comprehensive spreadsheet to capture data on energy usage, travel, shipping, and material consumption. Each department contributed insights, ensuring the study reflected the full spectrum of activities involved in staging the exhibition.
The Carbon Study: Challenges and Opportunities
The pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities for the carbon study. Reduced travel and an emphasis on local loans helped limit emissions, but the need for remote coordination added complexity. The study also highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability considerations from the outset of exhibition planning, rather than retrofitting strategies after decisions have been made.
Peter Brayshaw, director of the Fabrication Department, reflected on how the process encouraged departments to scrutinise their operations more closely. “It forced us to examine every detail—from the materials we use to how we collaborate with other teams—and inspired us to make more sustainable choices.”
Key Findings and Next Steps for the Museum
The study revealed that travel and shipping were the largest contributors to carbon emissions. Moving forward, the Guggenheim plans to reduce these impacts by prioritising virtual couriers, reusing materials, and limiting loans that require significant transportation. The data gathered during the Cecilia Vicuña project will serve as a benchmark for future studies, enabling the museum to refine its approach.
Trevor Tyrrell, senior director of Museum Operations, highlighted the broader implications of the initiative. “This study is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about embedding sustainability into the fabric of our institution and inspiring systemic change across the museum sector.”
Inspiring Industry-Wide Change
The Guggenheim’s partnership with Art to Acres, a conservation organisation, ensured the carbon offsets supported projects with tangible environmental benefits. For the Cecilia Vicuña exhibition, the funds were directed towards the Rewilding Chile project, aligning with the artist’s heritage and commitment to ecological restoration.
As the museum continues its sustainability journey, the Green Team remains focused on fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation. By embedding environmental considerations into every stage of exhibition planning, the Guggenheim is setting a new standard for sustainability in the cultural sector.
For museum professionals seeking to undertake similar initiatives, the Guggenheim’s case study offers a valuable roadmap. It demonstrates that with collaboration, commitment, and a willingness to learn, museums can play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis.
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Peter Brayshaw, Megan Fontanella and Trevor Tyrrell from Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Alexa Steiner from Rute Collaborative Consulting spoke at the Green Museums Summit 2023.
