The true test of a good exhibit is the visitors. A 1984 study of the Natural History Museum in London found visitors described great exhibits as ones that
- 1. Made the subject come alive
- 2. Got the message across quickly
- 3. Helped people understand the points quickly
- 4. Allowed people to test themselves to see if their ideas were right
- 5. It involved you, the visitor
- 6. It made a difficult subject easier
Other studies have shown visitors like it when exhibits are memorable, guide them gently, involves the senses, and are personal
Here are two different exhibits in American Jewish history. Pick one exhibit to explore and then rank it on how well it achieves the “great exhibits” criteria.
Exhibits:
Assessment: