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
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
Ph. (512)
936-2309
Fx. (512)
936-4699
email:
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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
Phone: (585)
473-7720, x3034
Fax: (585)
473-6266
Email:
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