Art galleries often boast thousands of works, but for many visitors, the sheer volume is a problem. Isabel Brooks argues that the abundance of paintings leads to sensory overload and fatigue, diminishing the experience. She notes that the National Gallery displays over 2,400 artworks and the Louvre up to 4,500, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York holds tens of thousands.
Brooks describes her typical gallery visit as a blur of images, with little retention. She points out that the average viewing time per artwork is only 27 seconds, meaning an hour-long trip exposes visitors to about 133 paintings. Despite her appreciation for art, she finds the quantity overwhelming and often leaves feeling exhausted and unable to recall specific pieces.
The issue extends beyond visual saturation. Brooks cites physical discomfort, such as lower back pain from standing and lack of seating, as well as the pressure to appear culturally engaged. She notes that 'museum fatigue' has been studied since the 1920s, indicating a longstanding problem.
Brooks suggests that galleries would benefit from displaying fewer works. She would prefer to see just one painting rather than thousands, arguing that a more curated selection would allow for deeper engagement and a more enjoyable experience.
