Exhibit vs. Showroom — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 2, 2023
Exhibit refers to an item or collection displayed for public viewing; a showroom is a space where goods are displayed for sale.
Difference Between Exhibit and Showroom
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An exhibit displays artifacts for viewing; a showroom showcases products for sale.
Each exhibit is a singular display; showrooms host a variety of items.
Exhibits are educational or artistic; showrooms are commercial spaces.
Artists contribute to an exhibit; manufacturers fill a showroom.
Exhibits are time-bound events; showrooms are permanent setups.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Display objects for public viewing
Display products for sale
Duration
Often temporary
Generally permanent
Content
Artistic, historical, educational materials
Commercial goods, usually new products
Interaction
Viewing, learning
Viewing, purchasing
Setting
Museums, galleries
Retail spaces, dealerships
Compare with Definitions
Exhibit
Art display.
The gallery's exhibit of modern art has been extended.
Showroom
Product demonstration area.
The tech showroom allows customers to try out gadgets before buying.
Exhibit
Something shown.
Her patience is a clear exhibit of her maturity.
Showroom
Space for displaying products.
The car showroom featured the latest models.
Exhibit
Public demonstration.
The technology fair featured an exhibit of innovative gadgets.
Showroom
Display area for merchandise.
The fashion showroom displayed the designer's upcoming collection.
Exhibit
To show outwardly; display
Exhibited pleasure by smiling.
Showroom
Commercial space.
The company opened a new showroom downtown to increase visibility.
Exhibit
To present for others to see
Rolled up his sleeve to exhibit the scar.
Showroom
A showroom is a large space used to display products or show entertainment.
Exhibit
To present in a public exhibition or contest
Exhibited her paintings at a gallery.
Showroom
A room used to display goods for sale, such as appliances, cars, or furniture.
Exhibit
To give evidence or an instance of; demonstrate
Young musicians eager to exhibit their talent.
A plant that exhibits dimorphism.
Showroom
A room in a business set aside for the display of the company's products.
Exhibit
To put something on public display.
Showroom
(dated) A room or apartment where a show is exhibited.
Exhibit
A public showing; an exhibition
Spent the afternoon at the art exhibit.
Showroom
To inspect merchandise in a physical store, then purchase the identical product from an online merchant; to use a physical store as a showroom for an online merchant.
This new phone looks good, but I want to go to the mall and showroom it before buying.
Exhibit
Something exhibited
Each exhibit in the show took hours to assemble.
Showroom
A room or apartment where a show is exhibited.
Exhibit
(Law) Something marked for identification with the purpose of being introduced as evidence
Referred to Exhibit A.
Showroom
A room where merchandise is exposed for sale, or where samples are displayed.
Exhibit
(Informal) Something used as an example, as when arguing or making a point
You never do your chores—Exhibit A.
Showroom
An area where merchandise (such as cars) can be displayed;
In England a showroom is called a salesroom
Exhibit
(transitive) To display or show (something) for others to see, especially at an exhibition or contest.
He wanted to exhibit his baseball cards.
Showroom
Retail environment.
They visited the furniture showroom to find a new couch.
Exhibit
(transitive) To demonstrate.
The players exhibited great skill.
Exhibit
To submit (a physical object) to a court as evidence.
I now exhibit this bloody hammer.
Exhibit
(intransitive) To put on a public display.
Will you be exhibiting this year?
Exhibit
(medicine) To administer as a remedy.
To exhibit calomel
Exhibit
An instance of exhibiting.
Exhibit
That which is exhibited.
Exhibit
A public showing; an exhibition.
The museum's new exhibit is drawing quite a crowd.
Exhibit
(legal) An article formally introduced as evidence in a court.
Exhibit A is this photograph of the corpse.
Exhibit
To hold forth or present to view; to produce publicly, for inspection; to show, especially in order to attract notice to what is interesting; to display; as, to exhibit commodities in a warehouse, a picture in a gallery.
Exhibiting a miserable example of the weakness of mind and body.
Exhibit
To submit, as a document, to a court or officer, in course of proceedings; also, to present or offer officially or in legal form; to bring, as a charge.
He suffered his attorney-general to exhibit a charge of high treason against the earl.
Exhibit
To administer as a remedy; as, to exhibit calomel.
Exhibit
Any article, or collection of articles, displayed to view, as in an industrial exhibition; a display; as, this exhibit was marked A; the English exhibit.
Exhibit
A document produced and identified in court for future use as evidence.
Exhibit
An object or statement produced before a court of law and referred to while giving evidence
Exhibit
Something shown to the public;
The museum had many exhibits of oriental art
Exhibit
Show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill;
He exhibits a great talent
Exhibit
To show, make visible or apparent;
The Metropolitan Museum is exhibiting Goya's works this month
Why don't you show your nice legs and wear shorter skirts?
National leaders will have to display the highest skills of statesmanship
Exhibit
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Exhibit
Walk ostentatiously;
She parades her new husband around town
Exhibit
Display for viewing.
The museum will unveil a new dinosaur exhibit this weekend.
Exhibit
Legal presentation.
The lawyer presented the contract as Exhibit A.
Common Curiosities
What's the purpose of an exhibit?
To display objects or collections for public viewing and education.
Do exhibits change over time?
Exhibits often change and can be featured for a limited time.
How do museums use exhibits?
Museums use exhibits to showcase and educate about their collections.
Can you buy items from an exhibit?
Usually, items in an exhibit are not for sale.
Are showrooms open to the general public?
Yes, showrooms are usually open for anyone interested in the products.
Are showrooms typically associated with specific brands?
Often, showrooms are brand-specific to display particular products.
Can a showroom be virtual?
Yes, there are virtual showrooms available online.
What is found in a showroom?
A showroom displays products that are typically for sale.
Is a showroom the same as a store?
A showroom is similar but focuses on display and may not hold inventory.
What might a historical exhibit showcase?
It could showcase artifacts, documents, and stories from the past.
Can artists have their own showrooms?
Yes, artists can have showrooms for their work, often called studios.
Can an exhibit be interactive?
Yes, some exhibits are designed to be interactive.
Do exhibits charge an entry fee?
Some exhibits might charge a fee, especially if they are special or traveling exhibits.
Do exhibits have curators?
Yes, exhibits are typically organized and managed by curators.
What's the difference between a trade show and a showroom?
A trade show is a temporary event with multiple exhibitors, while a showroom is a permanent location for one brand or company.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
