Museum Exhibition Invisible Showcases
Part 3
In Part One of this blog series, we discussed the purpose of invisible museum display cases. Now, in Part Three, we will revisit the topic of museum exhibition invisible showcases and answer the question of how to achieve this.
The methodology of creating an exceptional showcase design, building it, and installing it does not happen in a vacuum. Furthermore, it takes a dedicated team of professionals, working concurrently to create something far more than the sum of its parts. However, whether the display showcase is truly invisible to the individual is determined by how other details are designed, engineered, and executed.
Now, depending on your role will largely determine where you step on this display and showcase journey, for example, from the standpoint of the exhibition organiser, who has been given the mission of housing a new, existing, or travelling collection, etc.
Elegant, Flexible and Strong Shelving
Once the first ideas are formed and pen is put to paper, it is time to involve a professional museum designer specialising in museum display showcase design. I have to say that there are not many of us out there. You can count them on the fingers of one hand. Moreover, you can narrow this down to simply two if you want to include state-of-the-art sustainable showcase lighting that delivers quality, conservative lighting solutions.
These final two points, lighting and conservation, are critical in creating a high-quality showcase. Internal showcase lighting that is flexible, controllable, and capable of lighting those difficult-to-reach areas within the showcase without casting unwanted shadows necessitates expertise and knowledge.
Most manufacturers’ showcases can light objects at the top of the case, but once shelves and objects are added, problems start to build, casting shadows on objects lower down in the showcase.
Understanding how to get the best from the latest LED micro spots, Bluetooth dimming control, lighting lux levels, and magnetic tracks and where to place these for optimum lighting is an art form and not something I would suggest people do without seeking professional assistance.
Produce a wow-factor concept!
Similarly, it is essential to consider conservation when displaying artefacts in a museum. This includes ensuring that the temperature, humidity, and light exposure are maintained at appropriate levels and can be monitored effectively.
As a designer, one of my core beliefs is that museum display cases should have elegant, strong, and flexible shelving that appears invisible to the viewer. These shelves should appear to float in mid-air without any visible support, and when removed, should leave no trace of their existence. By implementing this approach, there is no need for unsightly triangular brackets that detract from the beauty of the artefacts on display. Instead, the focus remains on the objects themselves, allowing visitors to fully appreciate their splendour and significance.
Ultimately, a skilled museum designer should work closely with the client to develop a comprehensive understanding of their goals and wishes. They should provide expert advice and guidance, and deliver a concept that exceeds expectations and wows visitors.
Read the full museum display cases series
Part 1 – Display Cases Introduction
Once you place a piece of glass or acrylic between the visitor and the exhibit, a physical barrier is formed.
Part 2 – So is that Vitrines or Showcases?
If you are in Europe, and usually also in the USA, you will use the term vitrines whether the showcases are made of acrylic or glass.
If you have a touring exhibition, you will, of course, have a different shopping list of boxes to tick for a permanent museum display.