Interactive elements and rarely seen materials reveal how artworks are preserved for future generations
ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2026 — The High Museum of Art will take visitors behind the scenes with its first-ever exhibition exploring the art and science of conservation: “Future Work: Preserving the Legacy of Art” (Feb. 12-May 16, 2027). The exhibition will showcase more than 15 works from its collection that have undergone conservation review and select treatment funded by a six-year, $3.1 million grant from The Sara Giles Moore Foundation. Throughout the exhibition, visitors can explore the methods of research, scientific discovery, treatment and care that reflect the scope of conservation while considering its role and meaning for curators, conservators, artists, objects, visitors and the broader fields of museums and art history.
The art and science of conservation—analyzing and treating objects to help preserve them—is an integral part of a museum’s work. Starting with the grant in 2021, the High embarked on a multiyear effort in partnership with the Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center (W+AACC) and a select group of conservators with specialized expertise to review the condition of artworks in its collection and establish new priorities for their treatment and care. These efforts brought together the knowledge of W+AACC’s conservators with the expertise of the High’s curators and collections staff to more fully assess the physical condition of these objects and the changes that have occurred in the years since their creation. This exhibition will reveal new discoveries about the conditions, histories, materials and artistic processes behind the artworks and demonstrate how those new insights will guide their care in the future. Highlights include the preservation of artworks made with nontraditional materials such as candy as well as the use of advanced imaging technologies like X-rays to reveal concealed elements beneath a work’s surface. Visitors will also learn about the careful, detail-oriented work conservators undertake to address even the smallest of preservation needs.
“At the heart of a museum’s mission is the preservation of its objects through proper research, care and, as needed, conservation treatment. The High and its peers benefit from a collaborative approach combining the expertise and knowledge of many heads and hands to effectively protect art entrusted to the museum’s care so that these works may be enjoyed today, as well as for generations to come,” noted Chief Curator Kevin W. Tucker.
Cocurated by Tucker; Megan Shores, the High’s associate manager of collections care; and Snow F. Hawkins, senior paper conservator with the W+AACC, the exhibition will feature recently conserved works from all seven curatorial departments, bringing forward the artworks’ origin stories and the processes of investigation and treatment that accompanied each work. From paintings and sculpture to textiles and furniture, each object and material presents its own challenges for the museum’s team of professional staff. “Future Work” invites visitors to join that team in exploring how the High maintains the legacy of its extensive collection by preserving art today for tomorrow’s visitors.
This exhibition will be presented in the Special Exhibition Galleries on the second level of the High’s Stent Family Wing.
Exhibition Organization and Support
“Future Work: Preserving the Legacy of Art” is organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta. Major funding for this exhibition is provided by The Sara Giles Moore Foundation. This exhibition is made possible by Premier Exhibition Series Sponsor Delta Air Lines, Inc.; Premier Exhibition Series Supporters Sarah and Jim Kennedy; Major Exhibition Series Supporter The Fay S. and W. Barrett Howell Family Foundation; Major Exhibition Series Sponsor Harry Norman Realtors; Benefactor Exhibition Series Supporters Robin and Hilton Howell; Ambassador Exhibition Series Supporters Loomis Foundation, Sara and Paul Steinfeld, Mrs. Harriet H. Warren; Contributing Exhibition Series Supporters Mary and Neil Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Jones, Megan and Garrett Langley, Margot and Danny McCaul, Wade A. Rakes II and Nicholas Miller, Louise Sams and Jerome Grilhot, Lisa Cannon Taylor and Chuck Taylor. Generous support is also provided by Alfred and Adele Davis Exhibition Endowment Fund, Anne Cox Chambers Exhibition Fund, Barbara Stewart Exhibition Fund, Dorothy Smith Hopkins Exhibition Endowment Fund, Eleanor McDonald Storza Exhibition Endowment Fund, The Fay and Barrett Howell Exhibition Fund, Forward Arts Foundation Exhibition Endowment Fund, Helen S. Lanier Endowment Fund, John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Exhibition Endowment Fund, Katherine Murphy Riley Special Exhibition Endowment Fund, Margaretta Taylor Exhibition Fund, RJR Nabisco Exhibition Endowment Fund.
About the High Museum of Art
The High is Atlanta’s art museum. For over a century we’ve been a source of inspiration for the city and a model for how museums can connect with people. Home to a world-class collection, engaging exhibitions, and events for every age, background and interest, we champion the arts as an essential part of our community. Today, we’re internationally recognized yet firmly rooted in Atlanta. We’re located on Peachtree Street, where Harriet “Hattie” High donated the land that would become the High’s home. Our award-winning architecture by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano houses a collection of over 20,000 works spanning centuries, continents and media. Throughout the year we curate exhibitions that recover overlooked histories, challenge conventions and expand the boundaries of art. Our events and ongoing series set us apart, offering our community new ways to connect with art. From lively events on Friday nights to programs specially designed for families, we ensure that art enthusiasts and newcomers alike have something to enjoy. Our aim is simple: bringing art and people together. For more information about the High, visit www.high.org.
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DIGITAL IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Media contacts:
Marci Tate Davis
High Museum of Art
Senior Manager, Public Relations
404-733-4585
marci.davis@high.org
Brittany Mizell
High Museum of Art
Senior Coordinator, Public Relations
404-733-4423
brittany.mizell@high.org