https://www.exploratorium.edu/sites/default/files/2016_01_campus_map_web.pdf
The best museums that I’ve been to in my life all have a few things in common. They are organized into categories, subcategories, or themes so that those interested in a particular category or theme could easily immerse themselves into it and get lost. The museum that I chose to do this blog on is the “Exploratorium” in San Francisco off pier 15. It basically has two levels but the “main level” is the one with most of the collections while the “upper level” is the “bay observatory terrace” looking over the bay and observable landscapes.
The museum map divides the museum into sections numbered from 1-6. Each number represents a different area of the museum depicting varies subjects in science and activities. The map also has pictures to its right showing what is to be expected in each section. Exploratorium labels itself as an ongoing exploration of science, art and human perception. Section 1 is labeled “Osher west gallery” where people experience the “human phenomenon” which is designed to engage and experiment with thoughts, feelings, and social behavior. It is also an area which promotes the science of sharing. Section 2 is labeled “south gallery” and has the tinkering studio which is a more hands on approach to exploring and creating. This area also includes subcategories like the “time & motion”, “exhibit development shop” sections along with the “electricity & magnetism” area. Section 3 is labeled “Bechtel Central Gallery” which is categorized as “seeing & listening” area of the museum dealing and experimenting with sound, vision, lights and hearing. Section 4 is labeled “east gallery” and explores “living systems” particularly microbial things like DNA, cells, organisms to understand ecosystems. This area includes a section for microscope imaging and a life sciences lab. Section 5 is labeled “north gallery” which hosts outdoor exhibits exploring winds, tides, and natural phenomena. Section 6 is the upper level which explores the history, geography and ecology of the bay area.
This museum is unique in the way it has decided to categories and organize itself. I noticed that each section engages a particular sense of a visitor. Some sections are more engaging and hands on while others are more about “seeing & listening”. I like its narrow rectangular shape as it makes it easy to see the entire museum without missing anything. This museum views its mission uniquely as it seems to be very concerned with the idea of human perception and how we receive information. It has organized itself in a way that can be easily received. An alternate system of categorization would be to separate each section of the museum by subjects instead of senses or human perception. I believe it would still be effective but this museum would lose its originality and its unique aura. I think this museum is very much concerned with how we intake information and has designed and categorized itself to influence our senses in order to help us retain knowledge rather than just informing us.
I’ve never been to the Exploratorium in San Francisco but it seems like a really cool place to visit. The way they chose to categorize their materials seems very logical to me, as you mentioned that each section has activities related to that specific area of science. It definitely gets their mission across effectively. I thought it was really interesting that you mentioned the building shape making it easier to see all the exhibits and to make sure you don’t miss anything; I definitely agree that museums with more complex building shapes can be more difficult to navigate.
After reading this, it makes me want to visit the Exploratorium since I’ve gone to San Francisco several times and loved it. The categories of the museum seem to really focus on physical experience and our senses, which I think is an important advance to museums that allow us to connect with history and knowledge. I like how you mentioned that it’s organized based on how we receive information, rather than just categories for the sake of categorization. When a museum is hands-on rather than displaying ancient objects or “do not touch” paintings, there definitely a lot of different factors to consider when organizing the exhibits, and you seem very aware of these factors in the design of the museum.
I’ve been to the Exploratorium a few times (several when it was still in the Palace of Fine Arts and once while at the Pier) and I agree that organization by “human sense and perception” definitely gets across the museums mission which is to help younger individuals learn more about science and how the world works. While the museum map sections off areas of the building into specific categories, when you’re actually walking around there isn’t a lot done to mark different categories so each section kinda blends into the next. As a result, individuals don’t feel like they’re being told what they’re supposed to learn in each section of the museum and everyone can have a unique experience which is something that not every museum can provide.
This place seems like it would be really cool to visit. I like your observation on how the museum tends to categorize itself with the different feelings of the various sections. I would say this is almost a play on materiality as it allowed the individual visitors to develop a sort of contemplative feeling when they get to look and interact with all of the exhibits. I agree with your comment on subjects it would adjust take away some of the special aspects that are unique to this museum. Good post.