The Art and Science Of Translating for Museums

A Masterclass In Precision And Collaboration

Translating content for museums is far more than a straightforward conversion of text from one language to another. It’s an intricate process that demands a deep understanding of art, culture, and the diverse audience museums serve. As the owner of Artlife Translations, I understand the complexities involved in translating for museums, and I excel at delivering translations that are as carefully curated as the original content. Here’s a closer look at what makes museum translation so unique and how we ensure excellence in every project.

The Multilayered Complexity of Museum Translations

Museums are repositories of culture, history, and art, and the materials they produce reflect this richness. Translating for museums involves working with a vast array of materials, each with its own purpose and audience. From press releases, art catalogues, exhibition leaflets, audioguides, wall texts, and interactive displays to subtitles on visual media, signage, websites, and promotional content—each piece requires a different approach.

The challenge lies not just in translating the words but in capturing the essence, tone, and intent behind them. The translation needs to be as meticulously crafted as the original text to ensure that the message resonates with the audience, regardless of the language they speak.

Maintaining the Curatorial Voice

Museum content is not just information; it is carefully curated to tell a story, evoke emotions, and create a connection with the audience. The translator’s job is to mimic this style and preserve the narrative flow, ensuring that the translated content remains true to the original curator's vision.

However, there are instances when the scope of an exhibition changes, perhaps to cater to a different audience or to achieve a different aim. In such cases, the translation must adapt, finding the right balance between staying true to the original content and making it accessible and engaging for the new audience.

The Importance of Research and Collaboration

Effective museum translation requires a high level of research, often involving close collaboration with expert curators, art historians, and other specialists. Understanding the context, background, and nuances of the material is crucial for delivering a translation that is accurate and meaningful.

At Artlife Translations, I ensure this by bringing together the translation teams and the museum teams from the outset. I seek a detailed brief that outlines the exhibition's goals, target audience, and key themes. I also request access to visuals, the intended exhibition walkthrough, and layout, enabling translators to immerse fully in the project and deliver a translation that is not only accurate but also deeply connected to the exhibition's core message.

Crafting a Journey for the Audience

Museum visitors come to be inspired, to dream, and to take a journey through history, art, or culture. The translated content must do more than inform; it must engage, inspire, and create lasting memories. This requires a translation that is not just correct but also evocative, drawing the audience into the experience and making it memorable.

Navigating the Challenges of Multilingual Projects

The more languages an exhibition is translated into, the more complex the project becomes. Each language brings its own cultural sensitivities, and the content must be adapted accordingly. Whether the exhibition is aimed at art professionals, families, or a general audience, the tone and style need to be carefully adjusted to suit each demographic.

For instance, translating an exhibition from English into French, my very own specialty, is not just about converting the text; it’s about understanding the cultural context and making the content relevant and engaging for a French-speaking audience. This might involve subtle changes in phrasing, tone, or even content to ensure that the message resonates.

Ensuring Quality at Every Step

Given the complexities involved, museum translation requires multiple layers of quality assurance. At Artlife Translations, I implement rigorous checks at every stage of the process. This begins with thorough reviews of the translated text and continues with on-site or PDF checks once the final layout of the exhibition is modelled out. This ensures that the translated content not only fits perfectly within the exhibition space but also maintains its impact and integrity.

Case Study: The Musealia Project

My experience with large-scale museum translation projects is extensive. A prime example is my work with Musealia, where I managed the translation of the large-scale award-winning exhibition from English into Swedish. This involved constant collaboration with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and the Living History Forum of Sweden.

The project was a resounding success, with the exhibition opening in Malm? right on schedule to critical acclaim. It was the first time that this exhibition was made available in Swedish, and its impact was so profound that the run had to be extended.

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"We contacted Luna to carry out a project with a lot of material to translate, sensitive deadlines and last minute modifications/additions. Thanks to her willingness, professionalism and commitment, we were able to complete the project on time and with good results. Very happy to have met and looking forward to more projects together!" - Irene Pagalday, Communications & Marketing, Musealia

Bottom Line

Translating for museums is a highly specialised field that demands expertise, precision, and collaboration. At Artlife Translations, I'm proud to offer a service that meets these demands, delivering translations that are not only accurate but also deeply resonant with the target audience. Whether it’s a small exhibition or a large-scale international project, I and the expert team that I create have the skills and experience to ensure that your content shines in every language.

For more information on how we can assist with your museum translation needs, book a free consultation today. Let’s work together to bring your exhibitions to life for a global audience.