Debora,

We are a history museum, so our setup is somewhat different, but...

We place a podium at the entrance of each exhibit which is staffed by a
volunteer or employee.  On the front of podium, we have a sign (about
24x36 in.) which includes the following (not exact text, this is from
memory):

Help us protect our Texas Heritage!

1) No food/drink in galleries.  (with a symbol)

2)  Exhibit tags required. (with a symbol)

3)  No flash photography (with a symbol)

4)  Caution some uneven surfaces.  (with a symbol; we have "themed"
floors which simulate different terrains in Texas, although ADA
compliant, we get both positive and negative comments on them)

 

We have most artifacts in cases, but have had to resort to putting
paintings behind guardrails or plexiglass barriers because of touching
issues.  

This is a constant concern for us, so we have the signs up permanently
on the podiums.  Again, since most of the artifacts are in cases, we are
somewhat protected.  Hope this helps.

 

Shoshanna Lansberg

Exhibit Content Coordinator

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

P.O. Box 12874

Austin, TX 78711

Ph. (512) 936-2309

Fx. (512) 936-4699

email:  [log in to unmask]

________________________________

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of McDell, Debora (MAG)
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2004 9:23 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Signage-Visitor Behavior

 

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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