LET'S TELL YOUR STORY
We’re passionate about creating immersive visitor experiences.
At Gecko Group, storytelling is at the heart of our work. We love collaborating with museums and cultural institutions to share their stories with the public. Using our tried-and-true process, we develop and design unique solutions tailored to your project’s goals that align with your brand and voice. Whether it is interpretive storytelling, wayfinding, exhibit creation, or environmental design, we love partnering with you to bring your stories to life.
Interpretation
The Doan Gang - Outlaws of the Revolution
Gecko Group was thrilled to collaborate with the Mercer Museum team, alongside longtime fabrication partner, ArtGuild, Inc. to bring this remarkable story into the spotlight. Our team was tasked with helping the story come alive through the design of a series of immersive, scenic environments. Each scenic vignette would act as a backdrop to carry visitors through the story of the Doan Gang. We also collaborated to develop the hierarchy and design style for the interpretive graphics and interactive experiences.
Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor
The 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors are one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of our time. This traveling exhibit featured ten terracotta figures and over 160 artifacts of jade, gold, bronze, weapons, and ceremonial vessels on loan from China.
The exhibit focused on the science behind the figures, uncovering how and why they were made. We worked with a large team to create multi-sensory, immersive experiences designed to transport visitors in time and place. Engaging interactives helped visitors understand the challenges facing today’s archaeologists and conservators as they piece together the remarkable history of the Emperor and his quest for immortality. Interpretive content encouraged visitors to question what they see as they delve deeper into the science of ancient China.
Unhoused - Personal Stories and Public Health
This powerful exhibit explored the risks and challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. The exhibit features two remarkable artists Leah den Bok and Willie Baronet juxtaposed with public health stories and statistics about unhoused populations.
Gecko Group was excited to collaborate with the artists and the Mütter Museum team to create an interpretive experience that complemented the artwork. Part art show, part science exhibit, Unhoused, inspired empathy while helping visitors understand the structural reasons that lead to homelessness.
John James Audubon Center
The exhibits at John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove reflect the National Audubon Society’s focus on bringing together science, education, advocacy, conservation efforts and collaboration. Anchor stations, placed strategically throughout the exhibit space, present key themes and orient visitors to some of the amazing qualities of birds, the need for conservation, and Audubon’s remarkable work. The exhibit uses a mix of traditional interpretive panels, coupled with tactile, auditory, and hands-on interactive elements and engaging digital multimedia to capture the visitor’s interest and spark their curiosity.
SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Exterior Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage
Following successful work to reimagine the interior of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (RMP), Gecko Group was thrilled to continue our partnership. Collaborating again with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission team, we undertook the task of enhancing the exterior visitor experience. Our challenge: make the unassuming industrial-looking site visible, welcoming, and reflective of RMP’s character. The new building and entry signage provide an unmistakeable identity for visitors. Clear wayfinding helps visitors find their destination and navigate to the entry. Whimsical character silhouettes help make the site approachable while introducing some of the content that is explored inside.
Academy Of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
The Academy of Natural Sciences had a continual problem with visitors being unable to locate key amenities and reliably navigate to their preferred exhibits. The structure of the building and its additions made the issues worse. Gecko Group was excited to collaborate with the ANS team to do a full site assessment and wayfinding analysis. The assessment identified the main hurdles visitors faced when visiting. The result of the analysis was a comprehensive wayfinding program, including the adoption of new names for key points within the building. Drawing inspiration from the institution’s rich collections, the final design provided beautiful, clear, and effective guidance for all visitors.
DONOR RECOGNITION
Leopard Forest
Leopard Forest includes new habitats for species new to the Nashville Zoo, including Amur leopards, colobus & DeBrazza’s monkeys, as well as tiny antelopes called klipspringers. These brand-new exhibit elements were paired with updates to the surrounding Africa exhibit, resulting in a new cohesive exhibit experience called Africa: Living in Balance. Gecko Group collaborated with the Zoo and site designers to create a stunning set of donor recognition signage, including an award-winning installation of custom-made ceramic tiles honoring each donor.
History & Legacy Exhibit- National Aquarium in Baltimore
The History and Legacy exhibit at the National Aquarium pays honor to the organization’s storied history. From its humble beginnings in a 1873 research station to an industry leader, the exhibit delves into key points and key people in the Aquarium’s past. The exhibit shares stories that have helped define the National Aquarium. It connects the stories to the iconic modern facility on Piers 3 & 4 in Baltimore. The exhibit also illustrates the Aquarium’s importance as a world-class institution, showcasing how the Aquarium stands as a community and conservation leader. The exhibit also highlights and pays tribute to a key donor for the Aquarium’s important work.
KidZooU Donor Recognition
Gecko Group designed and developed the donor recognition program for Philadelphia Zoo’s groundbreaking KidZooU experience. The donor program consisted of a comprehensive donor wall as well many individual donor signs scattered throughout the exhibit. The design approach took cues from the interpretation using shapes, colors, and icons to ensure the donor solution was integrated with the exhibit.