How Artifact Case Design Can Make or Break Your Exhibit

Exceptional artifact case design is like a magician's sleight of hand. The best are imperceptible. Like skilled magicians, they keep the audience's attention entirely where they want it to be: on the artifact, not the case, not the supports, not the lighting elements. The artifact shines, like magic.

Here at Bridgewater, you’ll frequently hear us say, “Every detail in a guest experience matters.” Artifact cases are a prime example. Poorly designed cases make fully experiencing the artifact challenging or awkward for guests. Ideally, you don't want your guests to see them at all. In fact, if they do notice one, it's often a sign that the case has failed at its job – to protect and yet draw attention to the amazing thing being exhibited.

The Crucial Role of Artifact Cases

At their best, artifact cases perform multiple critical functions simultaneously while remaining invisible to guests. They must protect precious objects from environmental factors like humidity, UV light,? and temperature fluctuations, prevent unauthorized access while allowing seamless entry for authorized personnel, and provide optimal viewing conditions – all while appearing to disappear.

Consider our work at the Henry Crown Space Center, where we designed completely support-free cases for the Apollo 8 and Dragon capsules. Nothing interrupts the close-up, 360o view of these incredible artifacts – no supports, no barriers, nothing gets in the way. The only thing that could have made it better would have been seamless glass with no joints. (Which is currently impossible to achieve, but a guy can dream.)

The Guest Experience Factor

Great artifact case design creates a sense of immediacy and perceived access to the artifact. Guests should feel as though they can reach out and touch the object (even though the case prevents it). This perceived permeability is achieved through careful consideration of viewing angles, placement within the gallery, and integrated lighting infrastructure.

The Role of Integrated Lighting

One often overlooked yet crucial element of successful case design is integrated lighting infrastructure. Too many cases that check all other boxes fail to provide adequate internal lighting solutions. When forced to light artifacts from outside the case, you inevitably create unwanted glare and shadows that detract from the guest experience. Flawless lighting not only eliminates these issues but also helps create that sense of immediacy that draws visitors in while ensuring the artifact – not the case – remains the star of the show.

Common Pitfalls of Case Design

• Visually obtrusive supports and uprights
• Poor height positioning that impedes viewing
• External lighting that creates glare and shadows
• Awkward seams or joints in the glass
• Poorly placed labels that compete with the artifact

Investing in Excellence

While budget constraints often drive decisions toward off-the-shelf solutions, custom artifact cases frequently provide exponentially better returns on investment. When an institution invests 75-80% of what they should in artifact case design, they often only achieve 50% of the desired impact. That additional 20-25% investment can be the difference between a good exhibit and an exceptional one.

Beyond Visibility: Inclusive Design

We must also consider accessibility. To guests with visual impairments, traditional artifact cases present as cold glass walls. Progressive exhibit design incorporates tactile elements adjacent to cases, providing texture and material information that helps create a more inclusive experience. At the Henry Crown Space Center, for example, we placed a tactile Dragon capsule model next to the actual artifact, allowing visitors to physically engage with the form and structure of the spacecraft.

Looking Forward

The field of artifact case design continues to evolve. From the stunning "lollipop" cases at Deutsche Technisches Museum in Berlin to the latest innovations in integrated lighting and climate control, we're seeing incredible advances in how we can better serve both artifacts and audiences.