maam2025buildingmuseums

Building a museum is more than designing walls and curating artifacts; it’s about envisioning a living, evolving institution that connects with people. I would’ve told my younger self to brace for the pivots—those unexpected turns that reveal deeper layers of complexity in both design and mission. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s recent transformation teaches that conceptualizing a museum isn’t a linear journey. Beginning with a discovery phase in 2019, the team navigated hundreds of virtual meetings, making critical decisions about content, design, and logistics, in the midst of a global pandemic. This project was a testament to the power of adaptability and collaboration among diverse teams, including architects, exhibit designers, and community members.

Creating meaningful, relevant exhibits is more than aesthetic design; it is about understanding the science, connecting it to the local community, and reflecting on humanity’s impact on nature. The hurdles faced—from aligning vision with budget constraints to engaging stakeholders at every level—underscored the importance of flexibility and resilience. Ultimately, a museum isn’t just a building; it’s a dynamic space that invites inquiry and inspires action, forever evolving to remain relevant and impactful.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand that any significant project requires strong leadership to drive the vision and strategy. Learn how having someone at the helm is crucial to navigating challenges, setting priorities, and ensuring alignment with broader goals, especially when addressing complex issues such as climate change and science literacy.
2. Recognize the importance of a clear and compelling vision that incorporates a community-centered approach, builds trust, and emphasizes humanity’s impact on the natural world. Effective leaders integrate current knowledge and research into public-facing efforts to foster understanding and inspire action.
3. Explore how architecture and exhibit design intertwine to create engaging and educational environments that align with the visionary approach.
4. Understand how well-designed spaces can facilitate inquiry-based learning and enhance visitor experiences, making complex topics more accessible and relevant.
5. Identify the crucial role of exhibit and experience design in effectively communicating complex concepts and engaging diverse audiences. Learn how using authentic elements, such as real specimens and artifacts, can create compelling narratives that promote scientific literacy.
6. Understand strategies for designing experiences that connect visitors emotionally and intellectually to themes like nature, science, and the human role in sustainability.
7. Gain insight into the financial planning and funding strategies essential for supporting transformative projects. This includes understanding budget constraints, development efforts, and securing funding to achieve educational and community goals.
8. Learn how financial considerations influence the scope and scale of projects, from the quality of exhibits to the reach of educational programming.

AIA Continuing Education Course Number, BMS2025-22