Open for Business

December 9, 2014
Index Magazine

Open for Business

The sleek shop at the renovated and expanded Harvard Art Museums offers books, jewelry, textiles, art supplies, and more.

Visitors to the renovated and expanded Harvard Art Museums will find a new museum shop, offering books, jewelry, textiles, art supplies, and more.

 The shop’s design complements the overall architectural aesthetic of the museums, with a palette of wood, stone, and glass. Large historic windows fill the shop with ample natural light. Sleek glass display cases for fine jewelry add to the airy atmosphere.

Sanja Cvjeticanin, director of visitor services, spent months researching potential products; she canvassed museums staff, including curators, for suggestions. Besides stocking the bookshelves with an array of literature on artists, art theory, and art history, she gathered items that would be relevant and appeal to a wide range of visitors. A primary goal was to ensure the museums’ selection stood out from that of other institutions. “We’re all using the same ingredients, but it’s how you put them together that sets your shop apart,” she said.

Merchandise includes books (such as Open, a beautifully illustrated look at our renovated building and the programming it supports), textiles, art supplies, as well as minimalist stationery and elegant scarves that reflect the contemporary and innovative spirit of the museums. Branded pencils, erasers, and tote bags are also available.

The shop is open during regular museums hours (daily, 10am–5pm) and is accessible without the purchase of gallery admission. Individuals can also browse the shop via the museums’ website.