At MER Services, we understand the intricacies of designing and installing museum exhibits that captivate audiences and stand the test of time. With decades of experience supporting high-end interior installations for prestigious museums, exhibitions, and retailers, we are committed to sharing our expertise.
Here are seven essential tips to help you achieve exhibit design success in 2025.
1. Prioritise Visitor Engagement Through Immersive Experiences
In 2025, visitor engagement is synonymous with immersion. Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) allow museums to bring history, science, and art to life in once unimaginable ways.
Consider incorporating:
- AR-enhanced displays: Overlay digital content onto physical artefacts for added context.
- VR storytelling: Transport visitors to historical events or far-off places.
For example, The Design Museum’s “The World of Tim Burton” exhibition uses AR created by Snapchat’s Paris AR Studio that allows visitors to explore a space-themed Burtonesque fantasy using their phones. Visitors can choose to enter a “digital dome” before the exhibition where they are treated to images inspired by Burton’s unique illustrations.
2. Focus on Accessibility for All Audiences
Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a requirement. At MER Services, we ensure exhibits are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
Key strategies include:
- Installing tactile displays for visually impaired visitors.
- Using audio guides and closed captions for multimedia elements.
- Designing physical spaces to accommodate wheelchair users.
Institutions like the Tate Modern are leading the way by prioritising universal design principles, ensuring that their exhibits are welcoming to all. Their “Touch Tours” sessions offer visually impaired and blind visitors a unique way to connect with selected artworks from the Tate collection displays. Led by two Visitor Engagement Assistant Touch Tour Guides, these sessions feature approximately three artworks and combine audio descriptions, tactile exploration of the artworks, and the handling of related objects. A key element of the tours is fostering conversations about the art throughout the experience.
3. Embrace Sustainability in Design and Materials
Sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a responsibility. At MER Services, we incorporate sustainable practices into every project.
To achieve sustainable exhibit design:
- Use eco-friendly materials such as recycled wood or biodegradable plastics.
- Opt for energy-efficient lighting and temperature control systems.
- Partner with suppliers who prioritise sustainable practices.
The Eden Project continues to lead with its innovative use of reclaimed materials, including reducing energy use, making soil from recycled waste, buying locally, driving electric vehicles and supporting responsible global trade. At the Eden Project, 59% of waste is sent for recycling, while 5% is composted. An additional 10% of food waste is converted into renewable energy off-site, and 27% is used to generate energy from waste. Impressively, none of the waste is sent to landfill.
4. Tell Compelling Stories
An exhibit is only as powerful as the story it tells. At MER Services, we focus on using narrative techniques to connect with audiences on an emotional level. Consider:
- Structuring exhibits around a central theme or question.
- Using multimedia to add depth to the narrative.
- Incorporating personal stories or testimonials to humanise abstract concepts.
For instance, The Fitzwilliam Museum “Paris 1924: Sport, Art and the Body” exhibition looked back on 100 years of the Olympics’ from when Paris last hosted in 1924 and the changed attitudes towards sporting achievement and celebrity, as well as body image and identity, nationalism and class, race and gender. It also highlighted the extraordinary achievements of the Cambridge University students who won no fewer than 11 Olympic medals for Great Britain that year, including the sprinter Harold Abrahams whose story inspired the award-winning film ‘Chariots of Fire’.
5. Plan for Post-Installation Success
Designing an exhibit is just the beginning. At MER Services, we emphasise the importance of post-installation success to ensure longevity and relevance.
To achieve this:
- Regularly gather and analyse visitor feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Schedule maintenance checks to keep installations in pristine condition.
- Incorporate modular elements that allow exhibits to evolve over time.
Using tools like visitor analytics platforms can provide insights into how people interact with your exhibits, enabling data-driven improvements.
6. Address the Challenges of High-End Installations
Working with luxury materials and bespoke designs often involves unique challenges. With our experience at MER Services, we recommend:
- Partnering with experienced installation teams who understand the nuances of high-end exhibits.
- Planning logistics meticulously to minimise disruption during installation.
- Allocating time and budget for unexpected issues.
MER Services has a proven track record of delivering seamless results for prestigious clients. For instance, our work with the National Portrait Galleries ”Elizabeth 1 and Her People” exhibition consisted of the dismantling of the existing exhibition and building walling to create 50 rooms with free-standing and inbuilt showcases, plinths and all associated display items along with the decorating and installation.
7. Highlight Local and National Relevance
Visitors are drawn to exhibits that reflect their culture, history, and identity. At MER Services, we help create connections by:
- Showcasing local artefacts and stories.
- Collaborating with local artists and historians.
- Incorporating region-specific themes to enhance relevance.
The British Museums exhibition “Burma to Myanmar” followed 1500 years of change in the area and features cultural, one-off events that explore culture, food, textiles and more. The exhibition finishes with an exploration of how “modern-day artists have defied state censors, marrying activism with artistic traditions in expressions of resistance and hope”.
Conclusion
At MER Services, we are committed to helping you design and install exhibits that captivate and inspire. By focusing on visitor engagement, accessibility, sustainability, and storytelling, you can create exhibits that resonate deeply with audiences in 2025 and beyond. Addressing post-installation needs and embracing innovative technologies will ensure your exhibits remain dynamic and impactful.
For expert support in bringing your vision to life, explore MER Services portfolio of previous work. With our experience in high-end museum installations, we ensure your project is in capable hands.