We have done scent boxes (lift the lid) for children's museums, and they are always popular. Strong scents work best. One problem with having a motion-activated or ambient scent all the time is that these can be a problem for people with allergies. I'd be careful with this approach. fg From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Larry Fisher Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 11:10 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Creating a smell station for an exhibit Listserv members, One thing to bear in mind is whether your use of scents should be an "interactive" experience such as that described by Caitlyn and Jen, or a passive experience where the scent(s) are part of the exhibition environment. I've found that it is often much more effective to introduce scent(s) into an experience and allow the guest to "discover" them on their own. The magic of unexpectedly discovering the scent is much more memorable than being directed to lift a lid, push a button, etc. It is the ultimate interactive experience. There are times where scent on demand is appropriate, for example when comparing scents or calling attention to specific attributes of a scent. However, for my two cents worth, if you are creating a scent as part of an environment it is better to introduce it naturally instead of by way of some device simply for the purpose of having another "interactive". If you prefer not to introduce the scent(s) when their are no guests in the exhibition, simply utilize a motion detector to trigger the scent dispersal when a guest enters the space. Combined with a timer, this method can also prevent "over-introduction" of the scent during peak visitation. Larry Fisher Planner, Designer, Imagineer On 4/11/2012 10:41 AM, Jennifer L. Hart wrote: Caitlyn, I've seen this done with an exhibit before and people really liked it! It has to be something that is fairly distinct, so when you go to smell it you know it. If it's a smell where the person is not sure that it's working, then it kinda loses the fun. They used small scent bottles that were housed in boxes with a lid over it; when you lifted the lid you could smell what was inside. Good luck! Jen Hart From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Caitlyn Perry Dial Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 9:29 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Creating a smell station for an exhibit Fellow listserv members, I am interested in creating a smell station for my museum's next exhibit and I am wondering what your experiences are in creating them, the costs, reactions to them from the public, or any related words of advice for creating this type of interactive. Would the smells need to be refreshed over time? This station would include smells relating the kinds found in a Civil War camp and possibly a dry goods store from the 1860s. Thank you in advance for your replies! Caitlyn -- Caitlyn Perry Dial PhD Candidate Department of History Western Michigan University [log in to unmask] _____ To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L <http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1> &A=1 _____ To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L <http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1> &A=1 _____ To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L <http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1> &A=1 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).