If you've been reading ExhibiTricks for a while, you already know I'm a sucker for a good "trusted source." That one supplier who has exactly the weird thing you need at 4:45 on a Friday afternoon. Well, one of my favorite FREE resources is The Great Big Museum Exhibit Resource List, and if you've never dug into it before, today's your lucky day!
The List started as an idea from Kathy Krafft during a conference presentation years ago. I offered to host it on the POW! website, and over time it grew into a continuously updated compendium of resources for exhibit designers, developers, fabricators, and makers of all kinds.
Best of all, it's completely free and organized by category, so whether you're hunting for adaptive devices, fiberglass supplies, glow-in-the-dark pigment, or scrolling lightboxes, there's a section for you.
Need a little convincing? Here are a few of my favorite "wait, that's a category?!" entries from The List:
PolyPavement makes natural-looking "artificial earth" that stays put, so you can create convincing "ground" for a dinosaur dig, an archaeology exhibit, or a habitat scene without hauling in the real, muddy stuff.
Radiant Manufacturing produces giant sequins and "flutter discs" for air cannon exhibits. If you've ever wanted to create a shimmering "blast" across a gallery to demonstrate air pressure, this is your source.
Skulls Unlimited is the place for "All things bone related." A go-to for natural history and science center folks who need real (or replica) skulls and skeletons that hold up to curious hands and even more curious kids.
Aroma Prime / Aromas by Design: Because sometimes an exhibit needs to smell like something. This UK-based supplier makes scent machines, aroma blocks, and custom smells that add an extra sensory layer to an immersive space.
That's just four picks out of dozens of categories and hundreds of entries — everything from fake foods and extrusions to surplus motors and theatrical fabrics is in The Great Big Museum Exhibit Resource List!
And here's the fun part: The List keeps growing thanks to museum makers around the world. So if you've got a favorite trusted source that isn't on there yet, don't keep it to yourself!
Send your additions and corrections straight to me, and help this resource keep growing.
Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!
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