BARE IT ALL
August 2026 – May 2027
The history of museums is as old as human curiosity, a reflection of our desire to understand the world and preserve the stories of our existence.
From the earliest days of human civilization, we have sought to collect, protect, and share artifacts—objects that connect us to our past and help shape our understanding of the present. Public museums, as we know them today, emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, marking the democratization of art and culture, offering the public a window into global histories, human expression, and colonization.
Today, the world’s museums house millions of objects in a multitude of diverse collections—art, artifacts, specimens, and historical items, yet the startling truth is that only a small segment of these objects are ever exhibited to the public. According to recent estimates, fewer than 5% of the items in many museums' collections are on display at any given time.
Institutions may hold vast collections but often exhibit only a fraction of their holdings. The reasons for this are many: conservation concerns, storage limitations, and the curatorial process, which involves meticulous research, preservation, and careful selection of objects for display.
This gap between what is collected and what is shown raises profound questions about the nature of museums in the modern era. What do we lose by limiting access to these cultural treasures? How can we ensure that collections remain dynamic and relevant for future generations? And how do we address the challenges of presenting complex histories, when the objects themselves may represent only a small part of the story?
Bare It All is comprised of two components. The first proposes an ambitious exploration of our museum’s entire collection, offering visitors the rare opportunity to engage with the full spectrum of our holdings. We will endeavor to display most of our collection of approximately 7,300 works, in all our galleries, at one time.
By showcasing objects from every category, period, medium, and region of our collection, we aim to demonstrate the depth, diversity, and potential of the museum’s assets, while simultaneously emphasizing the critical need for space to care for these objects. As our collection continues to grow, this exhibition will not only highlight the treasures already within our walls but will also call attention to the practical and logistical challenges of maintaining and expanding such a vast resource for future generations. The on-site Bare It All initiative invites visitors to reflect on the untold stories within the Ulrich Collection, revisit collection favorites, and recognize that these works are more than just a museum’s inventory. They represent the living history of humanity and are stories waiting to be told and preserved.
The second piece of Bare It All aims at extending the Ulrich’s reach beyond the museum’s walls by hosting off-site “satellite” shows and programming at partner venues across the community. Through this network of collaborative sites, we look to engage a wider audience, create meaningful connections with local communities, and foster greater access to art and culture. Satellite programming will include pop-up exhibitions of Ulrich collection works in dialogue with different local collections, collaborations with local artists, workshops and artist talks, co-curated exhibitions with partnering community venues, and interactive exhibitions that encourage hands-on participation.
By bringing the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs to diverse spaces—such as libraries, community centers, galleries, public parks, and even corporate or retail spaces—we will provide enriching cultural experiences for people who may not traditionally visit the museum. The goal of this initiative is to create a dynamic and inclusive cultural dialogue that reflects the vibrancy of the community.
This component of Bare It All is an innovative approach to making museum experiences more accessible and more integrated into the everyday lives of people in the community. By presenting smaller, thematic exhibitions and interactive programs at various off-site locations, we will create a direct connection between the museum and the places where people live, work, and play. Exhibition content will vary, offering a range of experiences that reflect the diversity of the community and the museum’s collection.
