I think a cornerstone of a great exhibition space is a “dramatic entrance” that subverts the person’s expectation for what’s to come. When you can see the full expanse of what you’re entering from the outside, say like an all glass apple store, what you see is what you get. It might be airy and full of natural light, but you already knew that; there’s nothing new being presented.
Yosemite Tunnel View: This is a big stretch to call it an exhibition space, (maybe yosemite IS the exhibition) but I think it’s a great example of a dramatic entrance.
The road to Yosemite Tunnel View carves between sheer cliffs and dense forest, never letting you see your full surroundings. Right at the end, you’re crammed into a tiny, dimly lit tunnel with a bright light at the end. Once you finally exit the tunnel and your eyes adjust, you’re rewarded with the endless landscape of Yosemite.
I think Tunnel View is particularly great due to how well it builds suspense; the trees and cliffs hint at the scale of the park while the constrictive tunnel provides stark contrast right before the grand view.
Grand Central Terminal:
This is another one of my favorite “dramatic entrances” where one moment you’re riding the crusty subways and the next moment staring at a painting of the constellations sprawled across an arched ceiling hundreds of feet across. This one stands out to me in particular for the insane contrast going from subway car, to grand terminal, to skyscrapers. There’s also a lot of detail in the terminal itself with ornate arches, window frames, and lighting that make everywhere you look interesting.
