In a message dated 3/18/97 9:23:23 PM, you wrote:

<<I am interestred in learning where Museum-L'ers think the most successful
and most innovative design solutions
for natural history museum gem and geology halls (as either combined or
separate spaces) are, and where the
best lighting of such installations can be found in the US and UK. I hope to
visit some of these installations
in the near future so any internal museum contacts would be greatly
appreciated.>>

I have two recommendations, although I haven't seen the exhibitions in
several years.  The Pink Palace in Memphis, TN had an exhibit that displayed
specimans in a way that was inviting and awe-inspiring.  The Field Museum in
Chicago did a lot of work on their gem and mineral exhibit in terms of
lighting.  They developed and/or modified a number of fixtures to obtain
precise control over the light.

Whitney Watson
Exhibitions Designer
Missouri Historical Society