Native American Voices is a long-term exhibit at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Across 2,000 square feet, it tells stories of Native American successes in achieving independence as sovereign, self-governing Nations. More than 200 objects are on display from the museum’s expansive North American Collections. Some of the oldest artifacts sit side by side with contemporary Native American objects and artwork.
Led from inside the museum
Our President led this exhibit as the Penn Museum’s Project Manager of Exhibits, before co-founding ITW. She set the project brief, oversaw the museum’s in-house design team, hired the fabrication partner, and ran the work from concept through opening day. Native American Voices is one of the museum’s most significant long-term commitments to its North American Collections.
Engineered for five years. Running for twelve.
Nineteen custom display cases were engineered for the gallery. Steel frame, glass, and cabinetry built from conservation-approved materials. Each case was designed for easy access so that planned rotations of objects could be carried out safely and efficiently. Originally built for a five-year run, the exhibit has remained on view for more than twelve years.
Layered voices alongside the objects
Touchscreen interactives and interpretive media run alongside the cases. Personal voices, contemporary perspectives, and contextual layers extend each object’s story beyond the case it sits in.
A space to sit with the work
Custom seating surrounds a multimedia centerpiece in the heart of the gallery. The bench forms and floor projection draw visitors in and give them somewhere to stay.
