After searching through a few maps of museums, the one that I found the most intriguing was the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The map they presented was not explicitly categorizing and color coding exhibits like many other museums did, instead, the museum is laid out in blocked sections which were each labeled with a number. Under the maps there was a link to an exhibit page. However, many of these titles were not as explanatory as a visitor might expect or hope for. For example, some exhibits had names like “A New Moon Rises” or “America by Air.” Upon clicking these exhibit links a brief caption gives more explanation for what is actually on display in that section of the museum and features some photographs of featured objects.
This arrangement of the map emphasizes their focus on telling narratives through the curation of all these air and space artifacts. Whereas an expert in the field of aerospace engineering would probably categorize the various planes by more technical measures like their engine horsepower or manufacturer, the intent of the museum is to educate and tell the stories behind each plane or space mission.
Another unique element of the museum map is that it prominently features silhouettes of the actual planes and spacecraft that are displayed all over the museum and even hang from the ceiling. Because the Air and Space Museum has a much different set of objects to offer than most museums that feature art or history, their rendition of the museum’s map capitalizes on this. Just by glancing at this map, you may not immediately understand categorically how the museum is organized, but you get the sense that the entire space is surrounded by these aircrafts. It is also interesting that airplanes and spacecraft are not explicitly separated, rather, everything is combined in a way to be seen as overwhelming and impressive to visitors. That being said, this museum does not seem to take it upon itself to “make rational sense out of the world” in a traditional sense as Steven Conn stated, but instead casts an extraordinary and fantastical view upon these aircrafts and their history.
Another possible method of categorization for the National Air and Space Museum would be to categorize based upon the time period. Although some exhibits already focus on certain eras in history, I think a more linear approach throughout the whole museum would be helpful in creating one huge narrative, which would take guests on a journey through the history of spacecraft, and would perhaps better combine Conn’s idea of museums as sources of the rational sense while also honoring humans’ astounding feats of technology and engineering.
This is a great description! My question is on your idea of one large cohesive narrative. Is one narrative or many smaller narrative more useful for visitors? While I agree that all of these objects could be organized into one long timeline, does such representation really allow visitors to engage with the objects? I think that the smaller sections with their individual narratives may be more captivating for audiences. They can move through the exhibit at their own pace and according to their own interests, without getting stuck on a line, although certainly to historians, this fragmentation may be a bit annoying!