The Yale Peabody Museum Revitalization Project is a complete renovation and re-installation of this iconic Museum, including its exhibition halls and collections. Each gallery showcases the stunning collections and celebrates the University’s heritage and leading-edge research.
Comprising of more than 40,000 sq. ft. and 23 galleries, the project celebrates the institution’s unique research heritage while establishing a new legacy. Galleries focus on the University’s impact and collections, with object-centered displays that feature field work and students’ current research. The flexible exhibition system is designed to adapt as science and research advances, and as collections are rotated. To achieve this, a modular system of cases and graphic systems is being deployed across all galleries. The Museum wants their visitors to look closely, to find meaning, and to leave with an increased appreciation for the stories told by objects of natural history.
[R&P’s] support and guidance has been critical to negotiating [challenges] and given us a great deal of confidence for the future of the project.Chris Norris, Director of Public Programs, Yale Peabody Museum
Burke Hall - Ancient Oceans & Life Among Dinosaurs
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
A World of Change
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Hall of the Pacific
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
North American and Connecticut Dioramas
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
The Design
The design of the galleries offers visitors a new and holistic opportunity to explore the heritage building and the collections. The reimagined halls allow the Museum’s objects to stimulate curiosity and invite engagement. To unify yet distinguish the thematic galleries and diverse topics, the design draws from archival research assets to create graphic motifs, imagery and colors. Specimen images populate the information panels, colors act as a wayfinding element to identify galleries, and collection images are reproduced at dramatic scale across walls. A special highlight is Rudolph Zallinger’s world-famous fresco “The Age of Reptiles”, one of the most well-known and beloved paleontological murals in the world.
The Result
The renewed galleries offer an invigorated, fresh new experience. Visitors will have a relevant and exciting experience interacting with the collections, activating a sense of discovery and curiosity as visitors find their place in the arc of the displays. The galleries will foster connections between students, faculty, and visitors and showcase fundamental scientific themes and spectacular collections, which are always be ready for new ideas, objects and interpretation.
Burke Hall - Ancient Oceans & Life Among Dinosaurs
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Wayfinding
R&P was asked by the Yale Peabody Museum to design and implement a wayfinding system for its galleries and public spaces. While not an egress system, it acts as “breadcrumb” signage, orienting the visitor through the circuitous layout of the gallery spaces. Discreet in size, the wayfinding signage identifies galleries through a combination of iconic gallery imagery and naming, while amenities are identified by name and by accessible iconography. The design connects to the graphic design found throughout the galleries – through typography, color and image treatment. Located in strategic and highly visible spots, the system ensures a comfortable visitor experience throughout the museum.
The Yale Peabody Museum Revitalization Project is a complete renovation and re-installation of this iconic Museum, including its exhibition halls and collections. Each gallery showcases the stunning collections and celebrates the University’s heritage and leading-edge research.
Impact
Projected Visitor Increase
100,000 per year
Updated Galleries
23
Burke Hall - Ancient Oceans & Life Among Dinosaurs
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
A World of Change
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
The Goal
Comprising of more than 40,000 sq. ft. and 23 galleries, the project celebrates the institution’s unique research heritage while establishing a new legacy. Galleries focus on the University’s impact and collections, with object-centered displays that feature field work and students’ current research. The flexible exhibition system is designed to adapt as science and research advances, and as collections are rotated. To achieve this, a modular system of cases and graphic systems is being deployed across all galleries. The Museum wants their visitors to look closely, to find meaning, and to leave with an increased appreciation for the stories told by objects of natural history.
Hall of the Pacific
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
North American and Connecticut Dioramas
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
[R&P’s] support and guidance has been critical to negotiating [challenges] and given us a great deal of confidence for the future of the project.Chris Norris, Director of Public Programs, Yale Peabody Museum
The Design
The design of the galleries offers visitors a new and holistic opportunity to explore the heritage building and the collections. The reimagined halls allow the Museum’s objects to stimulate curiosity and invite engagement. To unify yet distinguish the thematic galleries and diverse topics, the design draws from archival research assets to create graphic motifs, imagery and colors. Specimen images populate the information panels, colors act as a wayfinding element to identify galleries, and collection images are reproduced at dramatic scale across walls. A special highlight is Rudolph Zallinger’s world-famous fresco “The Age of Reptiles”, one of the most well-known and beloved paleontological murals in the world.
Teaching with Collections
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Central Gallery
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
The Human Footprint
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
History of Science and Technology
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Mesoamerican & Andean Civilizations
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Mineralogy Galleries
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Dynamic Nature
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
The Living Lab
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
The Result
The renewed galleries offer an invigorated, fresh new experience. Visitors will have a relevant and exciting experience interacting with the collections, activating a sense of discovery and curiosity as visitors find their place in the arc of the displays. The galleries will foster connections between students, faculty, and visitors and showcase fundamental scientific themes and spectacular collections, which are always be ready for new ideas, objects and interpretation.
Burke Hall - Ancient Oceans & Life Among Dinosaurs
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Wayfinding
R&P was asked by the Yale Peabody Museum to design and implement a wayfinding system for its galleries and public spaces. While not an egress system, it acts as “breadcrumb” signage, orienting the visitor through the circuitous layout of the gallery spaces. Discreet in size, the wayfinding signage identifies galleries through a combination of iconic gallery imagery and naming, while amenities are identified by name and by accessible iconography. The design connects to the graphic design found throughout the galleries – through typography, color and image treatment. Located in strategic and highly visible spots, the system ensures a comfortable visitor experience throughout the museum.
Burke Hall - Ancient Oceans & Life Among Dinosaurs
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
A World of Change
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Hall of the Pacific
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
North American and Connecticut Dioramas
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Teaching with Collections
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Central Gallery
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
The Human Footprint
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
History of Science and Technology
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Mesoamerican & Andean Civilizations
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Mineralogy Galleries
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Dynamic Nature
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
The Living Lab
Photo courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
Burke Hall - Ancient Oceans & Life Among Dinosaurs
