The Horse
American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, 2008
Description
“The Horse” examines the biology and cultural history of the horse. Introductory sections focus on its evolution and physiology, which made it exceptionally suitable for domestication. A cultural section examines artifacts from many cultures showcasing the horse’s long and productive relationship with humans.
The design aimed to bring a richness and depth to objects and interpretation without upstaging the artifacts themselves. In homage to cavalry flags and racing silks, section introductions and story panels were printed on satin banners, which brought sheen and movement to the show. Titling type is simple and monumental, in tribute to the scale of the animal itself. To modulate the surfaces, the designers evolved a library of textures referencing each set of artifacts or their cultures, from interlocking wagon wheels to Yakut textile patterns, and a rich earthy color scheme harmonized remarkably well with the objects.
Juror Notes
This is a great example of a traditional big museum exhibition initiative. It is so nice, with beautiful artifacts and deep in content. It needs to be recognized for the absolutely professional execution and final impact of all the components. We are pleased it is going to be traveling internationally.
Credits
- Design firm
- American Museum of Natural History
- Design director
- David Harvey
- Director
- Michael Meister
- Assistant art directors
- Tim Nissen, Mindy Weisberger
- Exhibition designer
- Lydia Romero
- Lighting
- David Clinard (design)
- Associate design directors
- Stephanie Reyer, Catharine Weese
- Designers
- Kelvin Chiang, Brandon Huang, Elizabeth Anderson
- Design manager
- Dan Ownbey
- Production manager
- Caroline Seitz
- Media producers
- Sarah Galloway, Tiya Gordon, Lee Patrick
- Other
- Hannah Readnour (Media Researcher), Yuri Zanow (Media Researcher)
- Interactive designer
- Harry Borrelli
- Animator
- Ana Camila Benitez-Martinez
- Programmer
- Dee Dixon
- Editor
- Sasha Nemecek
- Writers
- Margaret Dornfeld, Martin Schwabacher
- Project manager
- Dina Langis
- Photographers
- Denis Finnin, Roderick Mickens
- Printing methods
- Dye-sublimation, Digital C
- Typefaces
- Knockout, Chronicle
- Printer
- ColorEdge Visual