Dr. Elizabeth Moore
May 9, 2003

When it comes to exhibit cost I think museums typically sell themselves
short. There is so much more than the actual cost of the exhibit to
consider.

If the exhibit-installed price is $100,000 (Including design fees,
fabrication cost, transportation and installation charges) you need to
add the building cost that supports the exhibit. There might be
additional design fees and construction cost pertaining to the building
and building systems (electrical & mechanical, design fees) to consider.
What about maintenance cost for the exhibit for several years.

One point overlooked almost all the time is replacement cost. Most
donors feel that when they pay for an exhibit it is theirs for life.  If
a typical exhibit has a five year life span then it needs to be upgraded
or replaced after it natural life span. Who pays for the upgrade? When
selling (sponsoring) an exhibit make sure it is for a specific time
period. Let the patron know that the exhibit is his/hers for a Five
years time frame (or specific time frame) and will need to be reworked
or replaced afterwards. They should have first right or refusal to
continue their sponsorship at the end of the sponsorship.

With respect to the $100 a square foot depending upon the exhibit
itself, that might be a very flat or limiting price. Since every
exhibit, every institution, and every situation are unique it will be
hard to give you a really good budget to hang your hat on. Much more
information is needed.

William M. Greaves AIA, NCARB
Principal
Architects iN Design
http://www.architectsindesign.com
[log in to unmask]
1(757) 478-6489 CELL PHONE
1(757) 496-6489 FAX/PHONE

Subject:            exhibit planning
     Date:           Thu, 8 May 2003 15:49:06 -0400
    From:           Elizabeth Moore <[log in to unmask]>
 Reply-To:          Museum discussion list

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