I think an exhibition space is great when it incorporates the themes, story and purpose of the exhibits into the design on the spaces and the structure as a whole.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC
While i haven’t been to many exhibits, one that really stood out to me was the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Both its location and design is in many ways symbolic. The architects made sure to intergrate elements of the African culture as well as the Americas into the Building design and structure. For one, is the corona inspired by the three-tiered crown used in Yoruba art from South Africa. Then the building is wrapped in an ornamental bronze-colored metal facade, that is done in recognition of the intricate ironwork crafted by enslaved African Americans in different parts of America. All this is cited from the weblink below.
Symbolic location of the museum
Alan Karchmer / NMAAHC
Photocredits: African American Design Nexus
- Chazen Museum of Art, Madison, Wisconsin
Another museum that I have visited in the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where i did my undergraduate studies. What makes this exhibition space great for me is the open space concept which allows it to stay fresh even when it’s crowded. I think this is something that museums, especially those that are prone to experiencing traffic, should incorporate into their designs. It also has a beautiful flow of space that makes it intuitive and easy for anyone to walk through the musem and view the beautiful galleries.
Photocredit: Chazen Museum of Art
Photocredit: Chazen Museum of Art
It also makes use of large windows and atriums on the top to allow for natural light to brighten and enliven the spaces.
Photocredit: TripAdvisor.com