How Art Hanging Systems can Enhance the Visitor Experience

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"Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further." 

— Keith Haring

In order for art to achieve this, the equipment involved in its display must assist those tasked with presenting the works to achieve the best possible visitor experience. Today we explore this topic, with suggestions and advice to assist you in your work. 

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From The Garden of Earthly Delights in the Prado Museum in Madrid, a triptych oil painting by the Dutch master Hieronymus Bosch – to the iconic Guernica by Pablo Picasso at the Reina Sofia in Spain – museums and galleries across the world have housed some of humanity's most treasured and awe-inspiring artworks. Masterpieces that tell stories of culture, history, and the limitless boundaries of human creativity.

Behind any great artwork on public display, however, exists a meticulous and often invisible infrastructure that assures pieces are seen in their best light, safely preserved, and accessible to all. Indeed, the systems used to hang, secure, and present artworks play a significant role in shaping how audiences experience and interact with gallery and museum displays.

Museum and gallery art hanging systems are an easy to overlook element when considering visitor experience, yet are tools that help curators shape the atmosphere and visual composition of a space. Whether that’s through offering the installer flexibility with layout options, ensuring optimal viewing heights and angles or maintaining the structural integrity of fragile works; the use of art hanging systems is an essential component for curators and technicians to transform exhibition spaces into environments where visitors can connect and engage with the art on display.

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Ensuring seamless presentation

Put simply, the technical quality of a gallery's hanging system directly affects how visitors perceive the artworks on display. Misaligned frames, uneven spacing, or visible hardware are prone to distract from the viewing experience itself. Modern hanging solutions are designed to create clean, uninterrupted visuals, allowing visitors to focus their attention entirely on the piece in question.

The Ryman Hanger, as an example, used widely in esteemed galleries across the world, is engineered so that artwork can be tightly, near-flush-mounted to the wall with no visible fixings. With minimal gaps between the frame and surface, and no external distractions, the impact of the artwork is unhindered and viewed as intended.

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Achieving precise alignment

Every gallery or museum faces unique architectural challenges, from uneven floors to curved walls or irregular spaces. Such features can make the task of precisely aligning artworks challenging. Alongside the obvious aesthetic advantages of careful positioning, the objective is to give each piece its own breathing space while contributing to the overall harmony of an arrangement. Alignment and symmetry offers a sense of stability and structure, again helping visitors focus on the art.

To help gallery technicians align artwork precisely, the Ryman Hanger includes slotted mount holes that allow for marginal adjustments so that even on asymmetrical walls, the artwork can be positioned accurately without issue.

In spaces with distinctive architectural features – the spiral layout of the Guggenheim in New York, for instance – this kind of flexibility becomes invaluable. Meanwhile, in older heritage buildings, where walls may have warped or shifted over time, adjustable hanging systems are crucial for overcoming distortions.

 

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The right hanging system for the right artwork

While the Ryman Hanger offers a near-flush mount that eliminates visual distractions, providng the clean lines and bold compositions needed for contemporary art displays, hanging systems need to cater for a wide variety of artwork types.

Older, ornate paintings with deep, rebated frames demand a different approach. The Link Hanger is the go-to choice for heavier artworks with more intricate frames. It’s a hanger designed to bridge the gap often found between the frame and the wall, providing strong support for substantial pieces. The hanger’s strength and versatility enable larger works to be safely displayed without compromising their historical integrity or aesthetic appeal.

In heritage properties or period-specific galleries, the setting itself often dictates the choice of hanging system. Chain Hangers may be used in traditional or Victorian-style galleries, integrating seamlessly with the architectural character of the space, thus contributing to the authenticity of the visitor experience.

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Balancing security with accessibility for all

Security is an ongoing fundamental concern for gallery curators when displaying any artwork– but particularly those with high value or cultural significance. As ever, though, the need for protection must not come at significant expense of the visitor experience. Modern hanging systems are built to strike a balance between security and display quality by incorporating discreet locking mechanisms and tamper-resistant designs that remain out of sight.

To meet these challenges, the Ryman Hanger includes a highly discreet lock system which requires a specialised tool for removal. The design ensures that artworks remain secure, even in busy spaces, while remaining visually unobtrusive. Visitors are able to enjoy the collection, while gallery and museum stakeholders know the pieces are safely displayed.

The Link Hanger, by design also 'locks' into place once the artwork is installed, thanks to to the way the bridges slot and turn into place.

In addition, our Track (Rail) systems also offer a significant level of security when used in conjunction with stainless steel rods, Ryman Barrels and High Security Ryman Hangers - all of which we are able to offer extensive advice on.

Discreet security measures also help galleries and museums create a more inviting environment for visitors. While large visible barriers and locked cases might create a sense of distance, a layer of invisible protection allows viewers to feel closer and more connected to the artwork.

Meanwhile, art hanging systems contribute to making art accessible to all visitors, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Adjusting artworks to be viewable at a range of heights ensures that children, wheelchair users, or individuals with other mobility needs can engage fully with the collection.

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Enhancing storytelling through placement

Curators often use artwork placement to subtly guide visitors through exhibition spaces, creating a natural, logical flow that allows them to engage with the collection. Gallery hanging systems play a critical role in supporting such arrangements, particularly in complex installations where spacing, height, and alignment all must work in harmony.

Track (Rail) systems, in particular are great for facilitating this, as you can easily adjust/adapt the placement of each artwork during installation without having to drill into the walls.

While galleries might group works by theme or create a chronological journey through an artist’s career, the success of any visual narrative will depend on how effectively the pieces are displayed. Adjustable systems give curators the flexibility to refine layouts, ensuring that every work is positioned perfectly within the broader context of the exhibition.

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"8 common mistakes to avoid when hanging gallery artworks"
 

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How Absolue Can Help

Here at Absolute, we understand the importance of the behind-the-scenes details of gallery curation. Our range of museum-grade hanging systems is designed to meet the needs of galleries and institutions worldwide, helping you create spaces that captivate, inspire, and, crucially, position the artwork as the star attraction.

Please do get in touch if you’d like to find out more about our services.

 

Get in Touch

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Museum-Grade Art Hanging systems

Designed for professional installations, suitable for all environments.

Ryman Hanger - High Security Setfrom €16.51 (ex VAT)

Link Hanger (Pair)€29.21 (ex VAT)

L Brackets (Pair)from €87.63 (ex VAT)

Chain Hanger (Pair)€21.59 (ex VAT)

H Track (Rail)from €96.52 (ex VAT)

Flush Mount Track (Rail)from €132.08 (ex VAT)

T Track (Rail)from €109.22 (ex VAT)

C Track (Rail)from €58.42 (ex VAT)

Panel Clips with Hanging Setsfrom €59.69 (ex VAT)

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Posted by Jade Turner
17th March 2025

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