Principal
Independent Exhibitions
Kathleen McLean is principal of Independent Exhibitions, a museum consulting firm specializing in exhibition development, interpretation, design, programming, and strategic planning. Since 1974, McLean has conceived, designed, and developed a wide range of exhibitions for public audiences in museums of history, art, and science, as well as interdisciplinary and children’s museums. Many of the exhibitions she has developed focus on social issues, public participation, and public response. From 1986 to 1990, McLean established and led the first exhibitions department at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights, New York. From 1990 thru 1992, she was Director of Exhibitions and Programs at the Maryland Science Center. And from January 1994 through September 2004 she was the Director of the Center for Public Exhibition and Public Programs at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, California.
In 2018, McLean was awarded the AAM Distinguished Service in Museums award, and in 2006, Kathleen McLean was selected for the American Association of Museums’ Centennial Honor Role.
McLean is co-author of the IMLS-funded book, "The Convivial Museum;" co-editor of the IMLS-funded book, "Visitor Voices in Museum Exhibitions;" co-editor of the NSF-funded book, "Are We There Yet? Conversations about Best Practices in Science Exhibition Development;" and author of "Planning for People in Museum Exhibitions." For 10 years she was the exhibition review editor of Curator: The Museum Journal, and has widely published and spoken on museum design, informal learning, and exhibitions.
Monday, May 20
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Monday, May 20
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday, May 21
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, May 21
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM