A few unexpected surprises can add excitement to an exhibit, but problems discovered during installation are a different story.
A display case may fit perfectly in its planned location but leave too little room for an artifact and its mount. Staff may discover that an object fits inside the case but is difficult to move through the opening. Lighting or reflections can interfere with the visitor experience. In other situations, the challenge starts before the case even reaches the gallery because the delivery route was not considered early enough.
Many of these problems can be identified during planning. Here are seven display mistakes museum teams should consider before selecting or ordering a case.
1. Measuring the Object but Not the Complete Display
Knowing an artifact's dimensions is an important first step, but the object itself is only part of the finished exhibit.
Mounts, bases, labels, supporting materials, and intentional open space all require room. Choosing a display case based only on an object's width, depth, and height can result in a case that technically fits the artifact but feels crowded once the entire display is installed.
Before choosing case dimensions, consider:
Object width, depth, and height
Mount or stand dimensions
Space needed for labels
Clearance around the object
Other objects that may share the case
How the overall arrangement should look to visitors
Planning around the complete display helps provide a more accurate idea of the usable interior space you actually need.
2. Forgetting How the Object Will Get Inside
A case can provide enough interior room and still create problems if the object cannot easily move through the opening.
Consider the largest dimensions of the artifact as well as its mount. Large artifacts, mannequins, uniforms, fragile pieces, and mounted objects may require additional clearance during installation.
Think through how staff will physically move the object into position. Also consider what happens later if the object needs to be removed, adjusted, cleaned around, or replaced as part of a rotating exhibition.
Staff access should be part of the case-selection process—not something discovered during installation.
3. Treating Lighting as an Afterthought
Lighting affects how visitors see an exhibit and should be considered before the final case configuration is selected.
Think about whether the case requires integrated lighting, where the light should come from, and how the object will appear once illuminated. Nearby windows, overhead fixtures, and other gallery lighting can also create reflections or glare on the glass.
Collection-specific lighting requirements should be established with the appropriate museum or conservation professionals before ordering.
Determining these needs early makes it easier to select a display case and lighting arrangement that work together.
4. Ignoring Visitor Viewing Angles
Where will visitors actually stand when they look at the exhibit?
A case placed against a wall may have very different viewing requirements from an island case located in the center of a gallery. Some objects need to be viewed primarily from the front, while others benefit from visibility on several sides.
Consider visitor traffic, neighboring displays, windows, room lighting, sightlines, and the height at which important details will appear.
Planning around the visitor experience helps determine which sides of the case need the clearest visibility and where the case should be positioned within the exhibit.
5. Measuring the Gallery but Not the Delivery Route
One of the easiest details to overlook happens before the display case ever reaches its final location.
This is particularly important for large cases and cases that arrive fully assembled.
Measure more than the final exhibit space. Review the complete route from the receiving area to the gallery, including:
Loading and receiving areas
Exterior and interior doorways
Hallways
Elevators
Tight corners and turns
Ceiling clearances
Stairs or level changes
The final approach to the exhibit space
A display case that fits perfectly in the gallery still needs a practical way to get there.
Reviewing the delivery route early can be especially important for older buildings, upper-floor galleries, and oversized cases.
6. Planning Only for the Current Exhibit
A case may be purchased for one specific installation, but the museum's needs could change.
Will the same objects remain in the case for years, or does the gallery rotate exhibitions? Could future artifacts have different dimensions? Will staff need to change labels, mounts, shelves, or object arrangements?
Thinking beyond opening day can help museums choose a case that remains useful for future displays.
Depending on the project, it may be worth considering usable interior space, access, glass height, lighting, shelving, and other options with future exhibit changes in mind.
7. Waiting Too Long to Discuss Project Requirements
Important project details are easier to address before a display case is finalized.
Dimensions, access, lighting, security, finish, delivery conditions, project timing, and any collection-specific requirements should be discussed as early as possible—especially when a project may require a custom configuration.
When contacting a display case manufacturer, having a simple project brief can make that conversation more productive.
Useful information can include the size of the objects and mounts, desired viewing sides, available exhibit space, staff access needs, lighting preferences, receiving conditions, and anticipated exhibit changes.
8. Avoid the Fright: Plan the Entire Display
The scariest display mistakes are often the ones that do not become obvious until the case arrives or installation begins.
Looking beyond basic exterior dimensions can help uncover potential problems earlier. Consider the object and mount together, how staff will access the case, how visitors will view the display, lighting conditions, the delivery route, security requirements, and how the case may be used in the future.
Tecno Display manufactures standard and custom glass display cases for museums, galleries, universities, schools, and other exhibit environments. Current museum case options include different sizes, configurations, access methods, finishes, and customization possibilities.
Planning a museum exhibit? Contact Tecno Display with your object dimensions, available space, access needs, receiving conditions, and project requirements to begin discussing the right display case for your application.
Contact Tecno Display at (800) 255-3536 or tecno@tecnodisplay.com