As an exhibit designer and fabricator, museums and similar organizations often ask for our professional opinion regarding the cost to develop interpretive exhibits with an external partner. It can be challenging to provide an accurate professional opinion without further analysis of their particular situation and project parameters, as there are many cost variables to consider. But for those who want a quick answer, we base our broad exhibit budget recommendation on two variables, the square footage of the exhibit space and the exhibit complexity level. With these two variables answered we can look at actual cost data from similar completed projects and provide a quick exhibit budget recommendation.

The first of the two variables is the easy one. What is the square footage of your exhibit space? We look for the total square footage of your interior gallery space and any other common spaces in which you anticipate having exhibits (e.g. lobbies and hallways). This approach does not work for theater spaces or exterior exhibits, and tends to lose accuracy for exhibit spaces less than 1,000 square feet and greater than 5,000 square feet. Small exhibit spaces generally have a higher cost per square foot and large exhibit spaces generally have a lower cost per square foot.

The second variable is a little trickier to answer. What level of complexity do you desire for your exhibits? We categorize complexity in three levels, all of which have some vagueness and overlap with each other. Our recommendation is to use the exhibit complexity level that most closely aligns with your vision, and error on the high side. Here is a brief summary of the three different exhibit complexity levels:

Level 1 – Artifact/Prop Mounting, Graphic Panels with Stock Photos, Conventional Casework, Simple Mechanical and Multimedia Interactives, Simple Dioramas, Scale Models, Photo Murals, Limited Changeability

Level 2 – Level 1 plus Artifact/Prop Acquisition, Graphic Panels with Custom Photos, Custom Casework, Mechanical and Multimedia Interactives, Full Scale Dioramas, Painted Murals, Seasonal Changeability

Level 3 – Level 1 and 2 plus Artifact/Prop Reproductions, Graphic Panels with Custom Artwork, Complex Casework, Complex Mechanical and Multimedia Interactives, Custom Films, Frequent Changeability, Immersive Environments, Animated Models

Once the two pricing variables are determined, you simply multiply square footage by the recommended cost per square foot that aligns with your exhibit complexity level. Fill out this quick form to download our budgeting worksheet (which will download immediately), complete with cost per square foot recommendations and reference data for each level of exhibit complexity.

Online Form – Comprehensive Budgeting Worksheet

Still want more on pricing and square footage? Here are some additional great resources to take a look at: AAM.org and MuseumPlanner.org