Yes, Micki, the masses of those folks are different from our usual
visitors, but they are also the ones we are trying to court into
entering our facilities.  Here in Manitoba we've circulated
interactive science exhibits in malls for several years.  You didn't
mention if your exhibits were interactive or not, but ours certainly
endured much more wear and tear than would have experienced from being
on our exhibit floor.  Partly to do with less security, less control,
huge numbers of users, and frequent setup and takedowns.

Do's and Don'ts: where do I start!!  Design exhibits for this use,
rather than use the museum gallery design mentality.  Design for ease
of setup, packing, maintenance.  Eliminate most text. Deal with topics
that are an obvious concern to the mall visitor (our skeleton, with
hip replacement info was a great hit to seniors).  Staffing, staffing,
staffing.  Staff working these centres are quickly exhausted.  Ever
gone shopping all day?  tiring, right?  try it day after day - that's
what its like.

Is there a future? absolutely.  Now, if only we could cover our
costs...

George Wurtak
Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature

Micki Weltzin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


>What I am writing to you all is to ask if anyone else has had experiences
>with this shopping mall phenomenon and would care to share to dos and
>don'ts or perhaps whether you think this genre of exhibit has a future.  I
>will admit that I have encountered an audiance much different than that of
>a typical museum!


>Micki
>Iowa City Area Science Center