Archive: Blog

• Museum Watching: Are We Watching the Right Things? 

  November 05, 2018

  For the last few years PA Museums has published a list of what to watch in the year ahead. This annual December exercise has been both fun and humbling because no one knows what will really happen. Organizations and think tanks like the Center for the Future of Museums, devoted futurists, probably have it easier when it comes […]

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• Best Practices for Interactive Exhibits

  November 05, 2018

  Let’s Talk About Interactive Exhibits… In this blog, we will review the best practice of touch screen and mechanical interactives. So, what exactly is an “interactive” exhibit? It can be defined in many ways, but the three main categories of interactive exhibits are: Digital Interactive Exhibits: Computer software driven by touch screen, projection, push buttons, […]

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• Download our Zoo and Aquarium Portfolio

  September 24, 2018

  Gecko Group is a communications and design firm with over 25 years experience working with zoos and aquariums. We are collaborative professionals who work to understand the needs of your audience and how to translate that into unique, intuitive, and fun visitor experiences. Within this portfolio, you will find projects relating to the following services: […]

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• AZA Annual Conference, September 23-27

  September 18, 2018

  See you in Seattle!   Members of our team are heading out to the annual AZA Conference this weekend to engage with members of the Zoo and Aquarium community.  If you or members of your team are attending we would love the opportunity to meet with you.   Email Ellie or Jill to find out […]

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• Wayfinding for Exhibits Series

  August 13, 2018

  This series was developed to inform and educate on the topic of wayfinding for exhibits. From developing the experience to tracking the results, each article touches on a specific aspect of wayfinding for exhibits.  Is your wayfinding meeting best practices, or are your visitors getting lost? These articles will help you understand the answer to these […]

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• Wayfinding Audit for Zoos and Aquariums

  July 06, 2018

  IS YOUR WAYFINDING EFFECTIVE?  Wayfinding is one of the first ways your visitors experience your Zoo or Aquarium.  An effective wayfinding system should enhance your audience’s understanding of your sites, exhibits, events, amenities and ultimately provide an intuitive and enjoyable experience. We have put together a resource to measure the effectiveness of your sites wayfinding. […]

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• The Andean Bear Exhibit is now open at the Nashville Zoo

  May 10, 2018

  About this project This multi species exhibit immerses visitors into a Peruvian village at the base of the Andes mountains where the elusive Andean bear calls home in the Cloud Forest. Through the architecture, exhibit design, and theming, visitors get a real feel for Peru – one of the most diverse places on the planet. As […]

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• 4th Annual Cars at the Capital Exhibit in Washington D.C.

  April 02, 2018

  Gecko Group works with the Historic Vehicles Association to develop the 4th annual “Cars at the Capital” interpretive graphics. The exhibit features 5 iconic vehicles in Washington DC on the National Mall. Gecko Group developed the interpretive graphic design for the wayside’s surrounding the vehicles.  The exhibit showcases a range of unique cars including the actual […]

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• Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor
  Creating the Exhibit – Series 2 of 4

  January 16, 2018

  Protecting the Emperor’s Guard Showcasing the Warriors – Artifacts, Cases, and Platforms One of the most significant challenges in the creation of Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor was how to protect the over 160 ancient artifacts, including 10 terracotta figures, while giving visitors an up-close look at these remarkable pieces. The problem was made even more […]

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• How to Apply for The NEH (National Endowment for the Humanities) Grant Programs

  January 10, 2018

  Finding Opportunities The NEH has dozens of grant programs developed to help fund museums and educational institutions.  The goal of these grants is to provide the public with access to cultural and educational resources by giving institutions the funding necessary to develop them. The NEH website was developed to help find and submit requests for […]

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