Delaware Museum of Natural History
Overview
A future-focused Master Plan was developed for the museum, a first step in its revitalization. Digital interactivity, compelling collections and hands-on science activities are features of the galleries.
Details
- Client
- Delaware Museum of Natural History
- Project
- Delaware Museum of Natural History
- Size
- 38,000 sq. ft.
- Scope
- Master Planning
- Location
- Wilmington, DE, USA
- Year Completed
- 2017
The
Goal
The
Design
The Museum journey begins in the Atrium. Visitors are greeted by installations of diverse animals, birds, shells, butterflies, insects, and more – it’s about biodiversity. On either side of the Atrium, two gallery wings are organized according to Global and Regional ecosystems. Each wing offers hands-on models and interactives and dynamic displays of DMNH collections.
The Global Journey Gallery highlights six global ecosystems, each featured on a global floor map. Displays include a simulated marine submersible, media screens evoking diverse environments, taxidermy specimens, touchable models and kids’ discovery zones with hands-on activities.
Completing the Museum experience is the Paleozone, featuring visitor favourites: two spectacular dinosaurs complete with VR viewers; a crawl-through with dinosaur tracks; the Delaware fossils collection; and Dr. Fossil, a gallery interpreter. Outside, the new ‘Evolution Trail’ exhibit encircles the building, leading visitors from the Big Bang fountain to present day as they encounter models of key life forms and learn about milestones in our planet’s evolutionary history. All of the newly designed galleries have increased digital interactivity and feature hands-on science activities in Investigation Stations and Citizen Science programming spaces.
The
Result
Creating an Exhibit Master Plan for the Delaware Museum of Natural History will help to set the stage for future generations of Museum visitors. The reports form the foundation for planning exciting new experiences for visitors to the Museum and its beautiful campus. R&P led workshops with museum staff, volunteers and members, as well as educators, casual visitors, and stakeholder partners to gain vital feedback from those who would use the redesigned and updated museum the most. The team’s interpretive and design approach, guided by the Museum’s extensive audience research, was well-received and resonated with workshop participants. The R&P Master Plan has resulted in the bold rebranding of the Museum as the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science.
