Woodmere Art Museum
Semester: Spring 2025
Praxis Course: HART 420 Museum Studies Fieldwork
Faculty Advisor: Monique Scott and Sylvia Houghteling
Field Site: Woodmere Museum
Field Supervisor: Amy Gillette
Praxis Poster:
HART_TanyaChen_Revised
Further Context:
For my Museum Studies Fieldwork course, I had the opportunity to intern at the Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia, an institution dedicated to celebrating the art and artists of the Philadelphia region. My work focused on writing object labels for artworks that will be displayed in Woodmere’s new building, which is currently under development. This experience introduced me to various curatorial and interpretive practices within a museum deeply rooted in its local community.
As an archaeology major, I came into the internship with a background in ancient art and material culture, but I had little experience working with contemporary art, which makes up the majority of Woodmere’s collection. Writing for a public audience—especially about art I wasn’t initially familiar with—was a challenge, but one that taught me a lot about accessibility, research, and how curators shape visitor experiences through language. I worked closely with staff to refine object texts that communicate both factual and emotional significance.
One moment that stood out to me was identifying a Chinese bronze money tree among the jewelry collection—an object that had not yet been catalogued. Thanks to my archaeological training, I was able to recognize and contextualize the piece, bringing new insight to the collection. This moment reminded me how transferable my skills are and how knowledge from one discipline can enrich another.
Balancing the internship with a demanding senior year and multiple jobs wasn’t easy. Time management was a real struggle, and I often found myself stretched thin. Still, the experience reaffirmed my interest in working in museums and helped me think more critically about sustainable work conditions in the field—especially for emerging professionals and students.
With the museum preparing to open a new building, Woodmere is clearly expanding its reach and vision. Its emphasis on community engagement, regional storytelling, and inclusivity is what makes it such a dynamic place to learn. I’m grateful to have contributed to this moment of growth, and I leave with a stronger understanding of the interpretive work museums do—and how I hope to participate in that work in the future.