Give your inquiry a clear starting point
A museum display case project brief organizes the information a manufacturer needs to discuss your exhibit: what you will display, how staff will use the cases, and what needs confirmation before ordering.
Begin with what you know and flag estimates or open questions. The brief gives museum staff, designers, and purchasing teams a shared reference for reviewing standard models and appropriate modifications.
Identify the project and each case group
Start with the institution, exhibit purpose, case quantity, project contact, and target dates. Explain whether the installation is permanent or will serve rotating displays. If the project has several case types, assign simple references such as Case A and Case B.
Use case references consistently in notes, drawings, and photo filenames. Date each revision and summarize changes so everyone can identify the current information.
Browse our museum display cases and include a model link when a standard design looks relevant. For example, the MU410 museum display case offers a lift-off glass top. State whether that access arrangement suits your team, rather than relying on a reference photograph to explain the requirement.
Attach a measured object list and matching photographs
For each case group, list the objects with their width, depth, height, and weight in the intended display position. Include mounts, cradles, stands, risers, and labels in the measurements. State the units and identify anything still estimated.
Match object references to photographs. Include overall and side views showing mounted positions and label measurements clearly as object-only or including the mount.
For example, record an open book in its supported display position; closed-book dimensions would not describe that arrangement. Flag handling restrictions and ask which usable interior dimensions, clear openings, and load capacities need confirmation.
Describe the exhibit setting and staff tasks
Attach a marked plan or sketch showing available space and viewing directions. Note label positions, windows, gallery lighting, and power access, plus what visitors should see from standing and seated positions.
Describe object placement and removal, display-change frequency, and access needs. If considering a lift-off top, identify the working space and handling arrangements your team would need to remove and set down the enclosure.
Attach written collection-care or lender requirements. Ask your collections specialist to identify any material, glazing, lighting, or environmental criteria the proposed configuration must address. Keep these requirements separate from assumptions about what a case provides.
Record receiving details and responsibilities
Include the delivery address, receiving contact, unloading arrangements, and route from the receiving area to the gallery. Note doorway and elevator restrictions, turns, steps, receiving hours, and other access limits.
Tecno Display cases ship assembled. Ask for the proposed case and crated dimensions when checking the route, and identify who will handle unloading, uncrating, positioning, and final setup. Confirm the services included in the quote rather than treating assembled shipment as an installation package.
Separate requirements from preferences
Mark essential requirements clearly. These might include a confirmed mounted-object footprint, a written lender condition, or a building-access restriction. List finish choices and other flexible preferences separately so the discussion can consider suitable standard configurations.
State your budget range and whether it covers cases alone or the delivered project. Include requested delivery, exhibit opening, and internal approval dates as targets for review rather than confirmed production or delivery commitments.
Use this outline for your brief
Copy the following outline into a document or inquiry email. Keep the summary concise and attach measurements, photographs, and drawings with matching references.
Brief section | Information to include |
|---|---|
Project | Institution, exhibit purpose, contact, revision date |
Case groups | Case references, quantities, model links if relevant |
Objects | Mounted dimensions, weights, units, matching photos |
Setting | Available space, viewing directions, lighting and power |
Staff access | Loading tasks, display changes, handling restrictions |
Collection needs | Written care criteria and lender requirements |
Receiving | Address, route limits, unloading and setup responsibilities |
Budget and dates | Budget scope, requested delivery, opening and approvals |
Open questions | Estimates, missing measurements, decisions to confirm |
Before sending, check that quantities agree across the brief and attachments. Make it clear which requirements apply to every case, and which belong to one case group.
Send your brief to Tecno Display
Tecno Display has manufactured glass display cases in the USA since 1978. Start with a standard model when it suits the exhibit, then discuss feasible modifications for specific needs.
Ready to request a quote? Send your brief and supporting files and identify the questions you would like us to review. If some measurements are still being collected, mark them as pending so the conversation can begin with the information available.
Call (800) 255-3536 or email tecno@tecnodisplay.com.