Concert tickets can be more than just a momento – they can capture the excitement and energy of seeing your favorite musician live. For dedicated music fans, concert tickets deserve to be displayed and preserved as part of the overall concert experience. There are many creative ways to protect your tickets while also putting them on display in your home.
Why Preserve Concert Tickets?
There are several good reasons to hold onto concert tickets:
- They are a tangible reminder of the show and the experience of seeing the artist perform live.
- Tickets can appreciate in value, especially for shows that become historic or if the artist passes away.
- Displaying tickets is a way to show your dedication to bands/musicians you love.
- Tickets may contain artwork, logos, or designs connected to the band or tour.
- Looking at the tickets can help you re-live the excitement and emotions of the concert night.
Of course, not every concert ticket needs to be displayed. You may want to only preserve tickets from milestone shows such as your first concert, favorite bands, or significant tours. But for shows that hold special meaning, making an effort to protect and exhibit the tickets can be worthwhile.
How to Preserve Concert Tickets
Concert tickets can be delicate and susceptible to damage if not stored properly. Here are some tips for preserving tickets:
Avoid moisture and sunlight. Exposure to water, humidity, and UV rays will cause tickets to fade and degrade over time. Keep tickets in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
Use acid-free materials. Archival quality plastic sleeves or acrylic block frames will help encapsulate and protect tickets. Avoid paper envelopes or wood frames which contain acids that can discolor tickets.
Consider lamination. Laminating a ticket will seal and reinforce it. Use a soft pouch laminator and plastic pouches designed for documents rather than a hard industrial laminator which can damage tickets.
Handle with care. Don’t fold, bend, or flex tickets as this can cause creases, tears, and wear. Use caution when writing on the back of tickets as ink can bleed through.
Store flat and evenly. Place tickets in protective sleeves and then inside rigid frames, albums, or boxes. Stacking tickets unevenly can warp and curl them over time.
Display out of direct sunlight. If exhibiting tickets on a wall or display case, avoid placing them in direct sun which can still damage them even when framed under glass.
How to Display Concert Tickets
Once you’ve preserved your tickets, it’s time to put them on display. Here are some creative ideas for exhibiting your ticket collection:
Picture Frames
Picture frames are a simple way to display concert tickets on a wall. Choose a frame deep enough to accommodate the ticket. For multiple tickets, use a collage frame. Shadowbox frames with a recessed display area also work well to highlight 3D objects like tickets. Make sure the frame glass or acrylic blocks UV light.
Poster Frames
For larger format tickets or passes, use a poster frame. These come in various sizes and styles from basic frames to lighted marquee frames. The extra depth allows the ticket to be showcased without having to fold or bend it.
Scrapbooks or Albums
Collecting tickets in a scrapbook, photo album, or collector’s album lets you archive and organize your concert history. Use clear sleeves and album pages to prevent direct contact with paper. You can add photos, setlists, wristbands or other items to make a complete concert memory book.
Shadowboxes
Shadowboxes enable 3D display using a recessed space behind glass or acrylic. Layer the ticket along with photos, guitar picks, setlists or other items for an artistic arrangement. LED lights can illuminate the contents. The box frame fully protects and showcases the contents.
Ticket Stubs Display Board
These boards have metal prongs designed to hold ticket stubs securely in place for prominent display. Most boards have room for 10-15 tickets. The spring-loaded metal grips keep tickets from falling out while allowing easy access to change them out.
Ticket Holder Plaque
Framed ticket holder plaques have openings specifically sized for concert tickets. The tickets slide securely inside the recessed slots in the acrylic or wood plaque. Some plaques light up to highlight the encased tickets.
Concert Ticket Case
Concert ticket display cases are designed for both protection and exhibit. They contain foam padding with recessed areas for tickets. Some feature adjustable posts to hold various ticket sizes securely. Cases are compact and portable allowing you to dust or change out tickets easily.
Display Method | Pros | Cons |
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Picture Frame |
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Poster Frame |
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Scrapbook/Album |
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Shadowbox |
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Ticket Stub Board |
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Ticket Holder Plaque |
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Concert Ticket Case |
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As you can see, each concert ticket display method has its own advantages and limitations. Consider your budget, space, collection size, and aesthetic preferences when deciding how to exhibit your tickets. Mix and match different display types to keep your collection fresh and engaging.
Creative Ideas for Displaying Concert Tickets
Beyond the basic display options, there are lots of creative ways to show off your concert ticket collection with DIY flair. Here are some innovative ideas for exhibiting tickets:
Ticket Collage Wall
Cover a whole wall or large canvas with an artistic collage of tickets. Arrange the tickets into patterns, shapes, or designs. Fill in around the tickets with photos, colorful paper, or fabric.
Framed Setlist & Ticket
Frame the ticket stub along with a printed copy of the setlist from the concert to highlight your experience. You can also include a photo of the band or venue.
Guitar Pick Shadowbox
Use a shadowbox to display the ticket paired with guitar picks collected from the performance. Illuminate with LED lights to draw attention to the unique display.
Map Wall Gallery
Mount a large wall map. Place ticket stubs pinned on the map to indicate the geographical location of each concert.
Ticket Holder Guitar Strap
Attach clear ticket holders onto your favorite guitar strap. Then insert ticket stubs from concerts of the band or artist connected to that guitar.
Encased Diorama
Create a miniature diorama encased in an acrylic block showing the ticket in the context of a concert scene. Use tiny model fans, stage props, and band members.
Neon Ticket Sign
Have your ticket professionally scanned and made into a backlit neon sign bringing a pop art feel. Position as wall art or hang in a window.
Ticket Quilt
Sew ticket stubs onto fabric pieces to make a memory quilt or wall hanging tapestry. Add embroidered details like band logos and lyrics.
Corkboard Photo Display
Mount a corkboard on the wall. Pin up tickets and photos arranged in an attractive composition. This creates a dynamic ever-changing display.
Ticket Bookmarks
Glue or laminate ticket stubs to cardboard bookmarks. Use them in music books or biographies of the bands and artists from the tickets.
Protecting Displays and Framing Tips
To properly safeguard and showcase your tickets once on display, keep these tips in mind:
- Place displays out of direct sunlight which can still cause fading despite being framed.
- Use museum quality, UV filtering glass or acrylic glazing on frames.
- Clean the glass only using products made for use on frames and acrylic.
- Keep areas around displays clean and dusted to prevent buildup and clouding of glass.
- Ensure frames are tightly closed with backs secured to keep out contaminants.
- Use archival quality mats and matting tape when mounting in standard frames.
- Hang framed displays securely on wall mounts or nails to prevent accidents and fall damage.
- Consider lighting fixtures focused on displays to showcase without spotlighting.
With careful framing and display methods, your preserved concert tickets can be proudly exhibited for years to come.
Conclusion
For music lovers and avid concert goers, ticket stubs are more than just used passes. They are memorabilia that capture the live event experience. With proper archival storage and display techniques, cherished tickets can be preserved and exhibited in many decorative ways. Choose framing and presentation methods that highlight your most precious tickets while creatively showing off your live music history. Follow archival best practices so the colors, images, and memories last a lifetime without fading. Your concert ticket collection tells a story – give it the prominence and protection it deserves.