Programs

Programs enhance the exhibition experience for you, your collaborators, and our visitors. We encourage you to begin envisioning related programming for  your exhibition as early as two years in advance of your opening. Think creatively about the ways to bring your exhibition to life through conversation, tours, lectures, special guests, multimedia, and partnerships with experts or organizations, as well as to consider the different audiences you would like the exhibition to reach.

The Grolier Club has the skills, resources, and tools to manage the logistics, and we will work closely with you to bring your vision to fruition. Consult our Events Manager & Program Coordinator April Rose (arose@grolierclub.org) for all event matters. 

Timeline

• Ideas and Vision: The Club's Programmatic Season is announced each Autumn with our season reopening and includes all programs for the forthcoming year. We will be in touch with curators at least 18 months in advance of the season in which their show runs (**note, not their exhibition date**) to confirm curators' related programs. 

For example, if your exhibition falls between September 2027-July 2028, we will be in touch in Autumn 2026 to discuss what kinds of programs you are interested in, even if your show falls later in the season. 

If your organization or institution plans to hold numerous events such as receptions, dinners, or other fundraisers, you will need to coordinate the details and dates with our Operations Manager Events Manager and Program Coordinator at least 18 months prior to the Season Launch.

• Scheduling: Twelve months before the Season Launch, the Club's Events Manager, April Rose arose@grolierclub.org, will confirm key dates for your events. You'll also begin solidifying program details and possible presenters.

• Logistics: Six months before the Season Launch, our Events Manager will confirm key logistics for your related events, including exact dates, times, guest speakers, and specialty requirements, such as food, equipment, and rentals.

For example, logistics for the September 2027-July 2028 season will be confirmed in March and April 2027.

Format

We encourage you to think creatively about both the programs and partnerships you would like to foster through your exhibition. Listed below are a few typical programs hosted in conjunction with our exhibitions, but these are a launching pad for other creative ideas:

• Evening Lecture (from the curator or a selected speaker)

• Panel Discussion

• Symposia

• Private and Public Tours

• Virtual Tour & Curator Q&A

Lectures, Panels, or Symposia

It is customary for curators, or a speaker they select, to give a lecture about their exhibition or a related topic at one or more points over the course of the exhibition's run. Our Events Manager will work with you to set a date for this event and for any other lectures, panel discussions, symposia, or group tours.

Tours

We encourage curators to lead one or more guided tours to Club members and members of the public, depending on your availability. These tours are typically at 1:00 pm on weekdays. 

Curators are also welcome to give private tours to partner organizations, colleagues, and friends. We will include these dates in the logistics planning process. 

Virtual Tour and Curator Q&A

After your exhibition is installed, we will coordinate with our professional A/V team an appropriate time to film a video walkthrough of your exhibition, narrated by the curator. This video will be edited and comprise the Virtual Tour, to be webcast virtually via Zoom near the conclusion of your exhibition's run. The Virtual Tour is followed by a live Q&A with the curator, moderated by the Director or another member of Club staff.