Evangeline C's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: From Concept to Crowds: Best Practices in Museum & Exhibit Design BASIS Advisor: Mr. Covalciuc Internship Location: Online Onsite Mentor: Michelle Reid

Project Abstract

Museums today face challenges of dwindling attendance and limited finances. Just as the prior decades saw zoos and aquariums being pressed by the public to update their facilities in accordance with modern sensibilities, museums must also evolve to stay relevant. For my senior project, I applied best practices in museum and exhibit design to create a compelling, informative, and engaging experience for visitors. The River of Time Museum in Fountain Hills, a museum focused on historically significant events in the development of the Verde Valley, has commissioned Museum Pros LLC -- my site placement-- to redesign the museum. I was tasked with leading the development of one exhibit from concept to completion. More specifically, I was assigned to do a deep dive into the history of musical entertainment in the city of Fountain Hills. This involved research ranging from the musicians that visit the city to the impact of various concerts in the park. Throughout this process, I not only had the opportunity to explore the educational techniques and best practices to improve the delivery and retention of information in a museum setting, but also gained valuable hands-on experience in working with institutional clients and deliverables. I came to understand the practical and financial limitations impacting the visitor experience.