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What is an interpretive master plan?

It’s a preliminary study of how an organization’s current strategic plan and programs align with its vision for a new initiative. In short, it provides a “road map” for launching a new exhibition or program.

 

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Project Management Services

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The design studio at Smithsonian Exhibits creates distinct and compelling identities that support each exhibit’s thesis and engage visitors to create memorable and meaningful experiences. We tailor and refine the designs to help bring the project team’s vision into focus, and we collaborate with all team members to incorporate best practices across disciplines, stay on schedule, and work within your budget to ensure success. What can we design for you?

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Design Services

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Check out our SIE Guidelines for Label-Writers, Guide to Exhibit Development, and our Guide to Developing Web-based Exhibits for tips. 

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Exhibit Development and Writing

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Check out some of our recently completed graphics projects below:

Joris Laarman Lab: Design in the Digital Age

Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission


How do we produce graphics?

This video shows the process of printing a graphic directly onto a substrate using our Océ printer—just one of our graphics shop’s many capabilities.

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Graphics Services

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Smithsonian Exhibits fabricates all types of exhibit elements, from small displays to entire galleries. Our fabrication team can produce all exhibit components, including cases, acrylic vitrines, graphic panels, object mounts, and platforms. We can provide CNC machining and specialized object packing and crating. We have expertise in a wide range of materials, including metals, woods, acrylics, and composites. We use conservation-approved materials and offer expert object handling and exhibit installation. What can we build for you?

How do we produce cases?

One of the many tools we use to ensure that your exhibit is both durable and beautiful is our Frank Acrylic Component System profiler. It allows us to make clean, modular display cases in any size. See how the process works in this video.

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Fabrication Services

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Check out some of our recently completed 3D Studio projects below:

Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World

Mounts for the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Biocubes: Life In One Cubic Foot

How do we model objects in 3D?

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3D Studio Services

Smithsonian Exhibits’ 3D Studio is supported in part by Mimaki.

Our Services

Smithsonian Exhibits installs all types of exhibits, from full galleries to individual graphics and display cases. Our installation team members are the same people who design and build our exhibits, so they know exactly how everything fits together. We are also available to install exhibits from outside sources. Our staff are trained in art and artifact handling and secure all exhibit elements expertly and efficiently. What can we install for you?

How do we install an exhibit?

Our team carefully installs complex exhibits. See an example of our typical installation process in the video below.

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Installation Services

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  Click here for a recent interview with SIE comic artist prior to an event in Cincinnati

  Click here for a short video featuring our comic workshop at the 2019 Folklife Festival

  Click here for an in-depth look at a recent prototyping project for Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

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Specialty Services

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Prototyping allows you test your ideas before investing time and money in a final product. The process adds value to exhibits, helps make them more effective and engaging for visitors, and saves time and money in the long run. Prototyping is an iterative process. It can include several rounds of designing, building, testing, analyzing, and refining your ideas. Because each project is unique, SIE will create a schedule specific to your prototyping project. Prototyping projects can take as little as two weeks or require several months, depending on their complexity. What can we prototype for you?

Click here for the Smithsonian Exhibits Guide to PROTOTYPING

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Prototyping Services

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