I have asked my colleagues about the rule of thumb they use for per square
foot costs for exhibition development, for museum building construction and
for fundraising.  They collectively suggested the following:

Exhibition costs (excluding internal staff time) between $200-$500
depending on how much technology.

Building costs ranged from $80-$200 square foot depending on how much
climate control and level of finish was required.

Fundraising costs (including internal staff costs) range from 10-20% of the
goal.

These are huge ranges.  What rule of thumb are you using?  What other
topics need a rule of thumb as well and do you have one?
Elaine Heumann Gurian           phone:  703-920-4077
4834 8th Street South           fax:    703-920-4013
Arlington, VA 22204             [log in to unmask]