What is the Difference Between Exhibit and Exhibition?

The difference between an exhibit and an exhibition lies in the scale and scope of the items being displayed. Here are the main distinctions:

• Exhibit: An exhibit refers to a public showing of one or a few objects, usually works of art or objects meant to educate a small group of people. For example, a fossilized dinosaur skeleton in the lobby of a museum is an exhibit.
• Exhibition: An exhibition is a public showing of a large selection of items, often united by a theme. For instance, a collection of dinosaur skeletons in a wing of the museum might be called an exhibition. An exhibition typically involves a gallery displaying different objects or artworks to the public.

While the two terms can be used interchangeably in some cases, they are not always identical. British English speakers typically prefer the term "exhibition," whereas many North American English speakers still opt for "exhibit". However, the distinction between the two words is not strict, and their usage may vary depending on the context and the number of items being displayed.

Comparative Table: Exhibit vs Exhibition

The difference between an exhibit and an exhibition is primarily a matter of scale. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

For example, a fossilized dinosaur skeleton in the lobby of a museum is an exhibit, while a collection of dinosaur skeletons in a wing of the museum might be called an exhibition. An exhibit can be a single object or a small collection of objects, whereas an exhibition is made up of exhibits and is often organized around a specific theme.