What is an interpretative display Centre or an Exhibit?
An exhibit is an array of cues (visual, auditory, sensory, etc.) purposely brought together within a defined boundary for the desired effect.
An interpretive exhibit is a communication medium that is designed to engage, excite, relate to, and reveal to the visitor the essence of the topic or story being presented. An interpretive exhibit must utilize interpretive principles (provoke, relate, reveal, have a theme and message unity), and be built on the learning, behavioural and emotional objectives that will produce the real outcome desired for the visitor. An interpretive exhibit doesn’t simply present information but translates information or concepts from the language of the expert to the language of everyday people.
Reasons for interpretative display Centre Exhibits?
In general, I believe that exhibits are probably one of the least cost-effective methods available for communicating with visitors – particularly if they have not been pre-tested prior to their final construction. But, given that, here are some reasons for exhibits.
- Tell a story in an ordered sequence or fashion.
- Tell a story that can’t be told or illustrated on-site.
- Bring artefacts and stories to places where the visitors are.
- Bring extremes to the human scale (i.e. a three-foot model of a one-inch square of soil).
- Allow visitors the freedom to pace themselves.
- Allow staff to do other things.