HomePart 2 of Inclusive Exhibition Design Toolkit

Threshold and signage

Image shows the threshold to an exhibition. The exhibition title outside the gallery and introductory text inside the gallery can be viewed from the same position. Gallery guides and large print guides are clearly available as you enter the gallery.
Living with Buildings threshold, Thomas S.G. Farnetti. Source: Wellcome Collection. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Principles for thresholds

We want our visitors to feel welcomed and confident at the threshold of every exhibition.

This means we consistently provide the following key elements:

  • Clear signals that the gallery is open
  • Visual cues to link the threshold to the marketing campaign so that visitors know they’ve arrived at the right place
  • Clear and consistent signage to indicate where to enter/exit and whether to push or pull the doors
  • Communication of gallery rules (no photography, no food/drink, do not touch)
  • Warnings of sensitive or explicit content or significant environmental effects (low lighting, strobe)
  • Easy-to-find distribution points for gallery guides, large-print guides and any other handheld interpretation
  • Good views through the space so that visitors can understand the exhibition layout, including the locations and frequency of rest stops

Gallery 2 has two thresholds. The east lobby is primarily accessed by the spiral stairs and the core lobby is easily accessible by lift. When both entrances are in use, the two thresholds should be given equal status. If it is necessary to use a single entrance, we consider how signage can be used to direct visitors to the exhibition’s start point.

Gallery guides and large-print guides should be distributed from points that are easy to find (not obstructed, in high contrast with their surroundings and clearly signposted). The two should be co-located and given equal status.

Guide distribution shelves or boxes should be clearly visible from the exhibition entrance.

If there is a large-print guide for each section of an exhibition, these should be located alongside section text panels throughout the exhibition.

Directional signage

We produce instructional and directional signage in a consistent style for every exhibition at Wellcome Collection:

  • The font is Neue Helvetica 75 Bold
  • Sizing can vary for different usage but should be clearly visible
  • Maximum contrast in colour should be used
  • We use a combination of clear text and simple symbols
  • Consistent messages for all galleries: Entrance/Exit and Push/Pull, No food or drink, No photography (if applicable), CCTV in use
  • Particular messages or warnings about the exhibition’s content (such as ‘This exhibition includes sexually explicit content’ or ‘This exhibition contains human remains’)
  • Particular messages about the gallery environment (such as ‘In the interest of object care, low lighting is used across this exhibition’ or ‘This installation includes strobe lighting/loud intermittent sound’)
  • Consistent signage through the exhibition: Do not touch/Please touch; No photography (if applicable); Induction loop (where applicable).

Download the template for directional signage:

Wellcome Collection Wayfinding Templates

More from Inclusive Exhibition Design Toolkit

Part1

Our design vision

Introducing our toolkit for creating inclusive and accessible exhibitions.

Part3

Circulation and rest

Everything you need to consider to create well-paced exhibitions with easy visitor flow.

Part4

Object display

Detailed points to contemplate when designing beautiful, accessible displays.

Part5

Audiovisual work

Positioning, measurements and guidelines for the project team to consider.

Part6

Lighting

All about designing lighting that will help visitors navigate an exhibition with confidence.

Part7

Exhibition texts

The elements to consider when producing exhibition texts, including labels and panels.

Part8

Gallery guides and large-print guides

Making key elements in gallery guides consistent in style.

Part9

Accessible and multisensory interpretation

About providing layered interpretation of exhibitions in a range of formats.

Part10

Thanks

Thank you to our contributors, consultants and critical friends who have been essential in informing and shaping this research.