PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Collections Core is a new, five-floor facility that combines working research storage space with exhibitions that reveal the central role of scientific collections as evidence that scientists use to learn about the Earth, the Universe, and ourselves. The Collections Core contains three floors of 35 engaging exhibits, with more than 3,000 specimens and artifacts curated by more than 70 content specialists. Featuring floor-to-ceiling displays and interactive media touchscreens, these exhibits showcase the breadth and diversity of the Museum’s collections; highlight what collections can tell us about the past, present, and future; and demonstrate how historical collections can lead to new discoveries when scientists and students ask new questions or use new tools such as computed tomography (CT) and DNA analysis. Visitors can glimpse collections areas for fish, butterfly, and mammal specimens behind the glass walls of the Collections Core exhibits.

The specimens and artifacts are displayed as they would be in storage—on shelves, in drawers— in order to provide a behind-the-scenes feel. But the goal of the Collections Core is to help visitors understand that collections aren’t just “a lot of stuff”. They are instead the starting point for curiosity, discovery, and understanding.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Entry Type: Series / Campaign Entry

Channel: Cross-Media

Primary Role of the Designer: Unknown (NA) / Other (if other, please explain)

Client Relationship: An in-house on-going relationship

Intention of the Project: Introduction of a new product, service, or program

Development Budget: Confidential / Not available

Production/Execution Budget: Confidential / Not Available

Source of Funding: Nonprofit/NGO/trust fund

Typefaces:

Paper:

Materials:

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director: Lauri Halderman

Art Director: Catharine Weese

Designers: Eleanor Kung, Rayna Weingord

Researchers: José Ramos

Developers:

Copywriter: Margaret Dornfield, Stuart Fox, Allison Hollinger, Emily Hoff, Martin Schwabacher

Illustrator:

Photographer: Alvaro Keding

Printer:

Producer: Ralph Appelbaum Associates - Design Direction and Exhibit Design

Other Credits: Debra Everett-Lane - Associate Director of Gilder Exhibit Content; Sasha Nemecek - Director of Exhibition Interpretation; Ron Demetrio - Graphics Coordinator; Antonia Gabor - Production Manager; Katherine Browning - Senior Project Manager; Melissa Posen - Senior Director for Exhibition Operations; Dina Langis - Project Manager

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