When we’re planning a museum-grade display for one of our clients, the process generally breaks down into four parts. If these are planned correctly, the entire display will not only protect the artefact, but it will also create a premium, engaging display that behaves predictably in the real world.
Here’s a breakdown of the four main component parts and considerations that will lead to a premium display.
1. The Case
The case is designed around sightlines, seam clarity, and how close viewers will be. We plan the case, so the enclosure visually disappears while still providing protection and clean access. If floor space is limited, we will look at wall mounting options.
Common options:
- Free standing or wall-mounting.
- Clear acrylic displays with premium edge finishing
- Seamed construction for oversized cases when single-sheet glazing isn’t feasible
- Hardware selection appropriate to the environment (discreet, durable, serviceable)
- Low-reflection or UV-filtering glazing when conservation requirements are specified
2. Object Surface & Mounting
We can plan and design how the object can be best presented, the mounting approach, and service access.
Common options:
- Flat decks, stepped risers, or concealed platforms
- Mounting provisions for artifacts, garments, or sculptural pieces
- Removable panels for access to hardware or mounts when required
- Lighting, integrated interpretation/information display, engraving, branding.
3. The Pedestal
If the display is free standing, we supply pedestals that do more than hold weight. They establish scale, sightline height, and the overall presence of the display. We build bases that are visually quiet when they should be, and bold when the design calls for it.
Common pedestal options:
- Ballast planning for stability in public environments
- Shadow reveals and floating base details
- Painted finishes, wood veneers, laminates, or solid-surface tops when specified
- Hidden access panels for service access when required
- Levelling provisions for imperfect floors and consistent reveal lines
4. Custom Options: Security, Dust Control, Humidity Control
High-end cases get judged from inches away, but they also need to function under real operating conditions. Options are selected based on environment, servicing frequency, and risk.
Common options include:
- Locks and tamper-resistant hardware for public-facing installations
- Gasketing or fit-up strategies for dust control when required
- Silica gel integration and humidity-control planning for sensitive objects, especially textiles and other moisture-sensitive artworks
- Illumination
- UV protection
- Service access planning so staff can safely change exhibits without damaging the enclosure or object
Did you know? We’re an approved supplier to the Association of Independent Museums.
We’re Part of a Group of Companies
Dipec is part of a wider group of companies. We collaborate with those companies when a project requires something a little different.
In the museum display field, we often work with Morgans Consult, experts in interpretation, wayfinding, branding, signage and interactive digital displays. Working together, we can create a fully immersive exhibition.
If you’d like to find out more about anything mentioned in this article, just reach out on 02920 598393, sales@dipec.co.ukor by completing our online contact form.
