>While many ready built science center buildings have very sturdy attachment >points designed into their ceiling structures, a prominent architect has asked >that exhibit staff justify the need to suspend artifacts or other exhibition >components from the ceiling of a new science center building. > >Do Museum-L readers have specific examples of objects which were best displayed >suspended? If so, for each example, approximate dimensions, weights, the name >of the relevant institution plus information about getting the object up and >down would be much appreciated. > >I feel the option to suspend objects particularly in temporary exhibition >areas is essential. Do others share this view? > >Joe Ansel > >[log in to unmask] Hi Joe, You are absolutely correct in stating "I feel the option to suspend objects particularly in temporary exhibition areas is essential" "Do others share this view?" Definitely, it allows for the ultimate flexibility. To borrow and modify an old saying: There are never enough closets in a house, so there are never enough places from which to suspend exhibits,such as airplanes, glides, canoes or anything else that may look good suspended. It is a constant challenge when working with architects to convince them to include plenty of infrastructural elements, because no matter how much it costs to do that when the building is being built, it is going to cost more to do it later! This is why it is so important for museums and architects to include the designers of an exhibition in the process of planning a new or added facility from the beginning! Shab Levy, Portland, Oregon, USA [log in to unmask]