I have seen a lot of "donor walls" in museums in a number of countries. The
approach I like best is that taken by the San Diego Zoo, which spreads the
donor recognition around the property. Each group of names is displayed in an
architeccturally distinct way (different materials, layout, text treatment,
etc.) from other groups. I liked the variety, which encouraged people to pay
more attention than they would to the huge, impersonal walls used by so many
institutions. I might be wrong, but I do not recall the San Diego Zoo
differentiating in their recognition among donors of various levels of funding.
That's smething else I like!

An interesting approach is being taken by the Trans Canada Trail (a national
hiking trail now under construction). Donors are being asked to sponsor one or
more metres of trail length, with recognition in trail shelters dotted along
the trail. An attractive idea.

Harry Needham
Canadian War Museum