Sat. 10:45 – 12 : Innovative Exhibitions: And How to Get There

Day 3
10:45 – 12
Innovative Exhibitions: And How to Get There
Kathy Kraft, Scienteer - Science Center, Ithaca New York
Keith Osfelt, Children's Museum of Houston (former science teacher)
Clifford Wagner, Clifford Wagner Science Interactives
Greg Belew, Hands On, Inc.


This session was ok – I give it a B-. There were only 8 people who came. The panel was all people who build exhibits, and that I have seen in other sessions. The panel was definitely all science exhibit builders and the feel of their exhibits that they build is very stripped down, basic function. It felt like they were missing the artistic touch and creativity.

One of the presenters, Keith O., said “exhibits are a tool” not a piece of art –therefore they need to be changed to keep up with the visitors. I do agree that change is needed – but I think the artistic and creatively value of a piece is just as important. It’s a statement about your museum and a marketing tool as well.

When the session started we were told we would see three short 5 minute presentations, then we would break into a group (not enough for groups plural), then we could leave and “crash” another session. I sat next to an exhibit builder from Arlington, VA and an exhibit tech from Massachusetes. Each of the three presenters did a slide show about an exhibit that they felt was innovative. They were all longer than 5 minutes.

NY covered one that they got a grant for (about nanos), Houston told us about Invention Convention, and the last gentleman shared a n exhibit here people sat with tvs rotating around them and one where they could make palm trees sway.

After there presentations they opened the floor to discussion and - La Habra shared their story about bee hive troubles and closing the exhibit - creating a cave instead. Also VA shared about rehabbing a tree and adding a fish tank and animals to it.

Interesting to hear their take. Everyone seemed like a do it yourselfer, and not much talk about innovation or good ideas. More like – quick solutions.