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Chris and all:

First, thank you for your interest in my thesis. I appreciate the
responses (on and offline) that I have received. It has been extremely
helpful in identifying case studies for my project.

Second, I have realized that I may need to explain my intentions a
little further. In my experience in museums, there have been many
exhibits of varying levels of content, education, captivation, and
excitement. However, when I think back, there are really just a few that
I would describe as "spectacular." So, what did they do that others
didn't?

Rather than just study exhibits I personally feel are spectacular, I
decided to find out what others have experienced. I hoped that I would
find 3 or 4 exhibits out there that had this effect on many people. Then
I want to find out "what" it is that makes them so spectacular. 

Please keep in mind that a successful exhibit is not necessarily a
spectacular one... or vice versa.

I'll be tracking responses for a while. So, please continue to tell me
about exhibits that drew you in and blew you away.

Best,
Charity


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There is 1 message totalling 48 lines in this issue.

Topics of the day:

  1. Spectacular Exhibits

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Date:    Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:39:13 EST
From:    Chris Musello <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Spectacular Exhibits

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
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Wow.
So far we museum professionals have responded to Charity's important
question 
like a group wrestling fans. A good exhibit is anything that's big and
showy 
regardless of its scientific integrity? Its success in teaching? Its 
innovative approach to its subjects? Its ability to blend complexity
with clarity? All 
you need is big, unusual stuff to look at? This is not the answer I
would 
expect from the people who are intimately familiar with the challenges
we face 
when we try to present the results of scientific research to a general
audience. 

Charity's mistake is to start with the question, "What makes a
spectacular 
show". Why don't we offer this Masters candidate a breakdown of the
elements of 
a successful exhibit. Once she understands how we answer that, maybe she
can 
address the Madison Avenue question.

Chris Musello


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End of ISEN-ASTC-L Digest - 20 Nov 2007 to 21 Nov 2007 (#2007-233)
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