As the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Thomas P. Campbell thinks deeply about curating—not just selecting art objects, but placing them in a setting where the public can learn their stories. With glorious images, he shows how his curation philosophy works for displaying medieval tapestries—and for the over-the-top fashion/art of Alexander McQueen. (From The Design Studio session at TED2012, guest-curated by Chee Pearlman and David Rockwell.)

Thomas P. Campbell: Weaving narratives in museum galleries

Weaving narratives in museum galleries

Museums serve as time portals, connecting us to the dreams and struggles of those before us, fostering deeper self-understanding.

Art's raw power transforms spaces: tapestries once turned cold rooms into regal settings, acting as costly, mobile propaganda.

McQueen's posthumous show melded fashion with performance art, creating an immersive museum experience that became a phenomenon.