Denver Art Museum Sales Display

For centuries, museums have curated and displayed artifacts and artworks, allowing audiences to appreciate unique objects old and new. As the world becomes more connected, museums are tasked with evolving conventional exhibits and displays. By utilizing 3D printing in museum planning, we can enhance the museum experience by encouraging connection, preservation, and tactile engagement.

From Macro to Micro Scale

How do you understand the vastness of the ocean without a submarine? Thorough comprehension of expansive narratives can be difficult, especially when it comes to large-scale stories. While photos and renderings can offer glimpses, 3D miniaturized museum model can immerse your audience. 

Consider the “Unseen Oceans Exhibit” at the American Museum of Natural History. Located just 100 miles from New York City, Hudson Canyon stretches a remarkable 7.5 miles wide and nearly 2.5 miles deep. Through the use of 3D printed full-color depth maps, visitors gain a profound understanding of the canyon’s immense scale within the context of the real world.

Person standing next to 3d printed model of underwater canyon

Another compelling use of this technique is seen in the “Then, Now, Next Exhibit” at the Denver Art Museum. The museum wanted a way to clearly explain a substantial renovation and expansion effort to the public before its completion. By utilizing 3D printing, LGM produced a miniature model of the site, showing surrounding context in white and additions in full color. The model also had interior lighting. See more photos here in our portfolio >>

3D Printed architectural model of the new addition at Denver Art Museum

Preservation & 3D Printed Replicas 

With digital archives becoming more common, museums possess a wealth of 3D knowledge that can be harnessed to their benefit. This could mean replicating fragmented pieces of pottery once again as solid. We could also use this to decommission fragile exhibit pieces for conservation, and replace them with accurate replicas.

For instance, The Smithsonian needed the ability to produce multiple Hominin fossils for their “Hall of Human Origins” Exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History. These particular fossils were scanned and 3D printed in detailed full color. The archeologist team then finished the parts with a manual painted application for depth. Several sets were made for their travelling exhibit.

3D Printed replicas of a skull and other bones

Tactility : Experiencing Artifacts & Beyond 

In certain cases, a tactile experience forges a deeper connection with your audience. This could prove useful in a variety of settings, enabling individuals to feel the indentations of hand carved tablets, or the fine detail of marble sculptures. Even more importantly, it opens up new possibilities for individuals with visual impairments, allowing them to explore artworks and artifacts through touch.

The Supernova 1987A is a convincing example of this type of tactility. First recorded by the Chandra X-ray in 1987, this expansive supernova was difficult to comprehend in two dimensional form. By shrinking the 3D simulation, we produced a color 3D printed model in a resilient colorized nylon plastic. This material not only enhances the model’s durability but also enables easy sanitization. Ultimately, this material is ideal for high traffic museum displays and children’s exhibits.

3D Printed model of Supernova 1987A

Embracing 3D printing allows museums to embark on a journey that redefines the way we connect with history, art, and science. As we progress deeper into the realm of technology-assisted storytelling, 3D printing can help museums continue to be stewards of knowledge and immersive experiences, captivating and enlightening visitors from all backgrounds.