It has always seemed rather difficult to avoid crossing the aesthetic line
with such signs and notifications. I see them as a necessary evil, which
may sometime interfere with the aesthetics. We just have to work to
minimize that effect, while maximizing the effectiveness of the notices.
Our moveable signs look pretty good, and do not interfere. Sometimes I have
to resort to small do not touch signs and reminders for high traffic areas
or especially attractive pieces.
Visitors are like 5 year olds. They just need to be reminded, and often is
better.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
"McDell, Debora
(MAG)"
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SE.LSOFT.COM> Re: Signage-Visitor Behavior
02/12/2004 10:05
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Mark,
Thanks for your feedback. I like your choice to use moveable signs. Space
is
also an issue for us. The next question becomes how aesthetically pleasing
is the sign ..especially if it's permanent. We also met with the head of
security to offer some tips on better coverage/supervision strategies. The
problem with the last event was too many guards were in the same area and
we
had several cases of children and adults getting too close to art and in
some instances, touching art.
--Debora
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Janzen [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:49 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Signage-Visitor Behavior
Debora,
We struggled/are struggling with this as well. We get lots of students
coming through, since we are on a university campus, and many of them(all
in
my opinion) are oblivious to where they are most of the time.
We curretly put out two moveable signs (@11" x 17") which request that
visitors refrain from doing certain things while in the museum. Do not
bring
in food or drink. Do not touch the art. No smoking. etc.
We chose not to put them up permanently, since we do not have a good
visible
space to put them other than on the glass doors themesleves. These are
already cluttered with a variety of text, and visibility is a concern.
I would wonder if one big "do not do these things" sign would be as
effective as several smaller signs around the facility. Most people know
what they should not be doing, and only need to be gently reminded. Those
who are going to do it, are going to do it anyway, and will need staff
intervention. I would place one large complete sign, then disperse smaller
signs so that people get reminders periodically while on your site.
One language is sufficient, but depending on where you are in our changing
country, another might be prudent. I do not think ADA requires multiple
languages yet. If you do so, make sure a native speaker of the dialect you
are targeting translates your phrases. If for no other reason than to avoid
the blooper reels.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
"McDell, Debora
(MAG)"
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02/12/2004 09:23
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Do any of you have signs in your art museums on visitor do's and dont's? We
are in the process of investigating options for signage to assist visitors
in knowing proper museum behavior (maintain a safe distance from the art,
do
not touch art, no flash photography, etc.). Our initial plan was to hire a
designer to create a sign/poster soley for Family Days and use symbols and
very little text to make it easy for both children and adults to
understand.
We host about 5-6 Family Days per year and the event attracts a lot of
first
time museum visitors and children. Attendance can range from 600-1000
people. At present, a list of Gallery rules appears on the back side of a
sheet with the museum floor plan. It's black and white and everyone doesn't
read it. After further discussion, we thought we should consider a
permanent
sign on view year-round and not just on Family Days to help us protect the
art. If you have signs on proper visitor behavior ...
1) Where is your sign(s) posted? Is it a permanent sign or a temporary
sign?
2) Do you use symbols, icons, or text? Is the text in more than one
language?
3) How large is your sign?
Thanks,
Debora
Debora McDell
Coordinator of Community Programs and Outreach
Memorial Art Gallery
500 University Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 473-7720, x3034
Fax: (585) 473-6266
Email: [log in to unmask]
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