Thinking about what makes exhibition spaces great, some attributes like accessibility, use of light, and flow come to mind. Some key features include a building’s irregular/interesting shape, use of interesting material, and the ability of the exhibits to tell a story.
The Danish Design Museum in Copenhagen
The Danish Design Museum stands out to me for the way it displays such “arbitrary” objects such as chairs but does so in a way that is easy to digest and follow along. The viewer does not feel overwhelmed by the exhibit, but is instead gently guided through it by the way the museum is laid out. The architecture of the exhibit spaces themselves are of interesting design, but do not detract from the art being shown, which I think is key.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC
The new wing in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC has long sight-lines, an airy feel, and lots of natural light. The introduction of trees into the main lobby area also brings in a natural feel that is calming and unique. The art itself is displayed in galleries off the main atrium, which allows for a nice flow and the ability to see one exhibit and then be “refreshed” when walking back through the main atrium on the way to the next. It almost acts as a palette cleanser.