Effective Exhibit Interpretation and Design

As the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Standing Professional Committees Council tells us exhibitions are the public face of museums. The effective presentation of collections and information in exhibitions is an activity unique to museums, and it is through their exhibitions that the vast majority of people know museums. Effective Exhibit Interpretation and Design examines the impact of an integrated approach to exhibit design and development on the effective creation and support of live interpretation of exhibit messages and institutional mission. Bridal argues that the interpreters who bring these exhibitions, an institutions mission, collections, and stories to life and the forefront of a visitors attention are just as vital a part of an institutions public face, and that neglecting to give live interpretation an equal seat at the table impoverishes the ultimate visitor experience. Eight institutions collaborated with the author in examining the outcomes of approaching exhibit and live interpretation design and development collaboratively, the challenges of adding interpretation to spaces and exhibits not designed for it, and the guiding practices they have put into place. These institutions were: Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta, Minnesota History Center, The Missouri History Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, National Childrens Museum, The National Museum of American History, The Science Museum of Minnesota and The Science Museum of Virginia. Information was also shared by the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.