The Principles of Museum Administration. 225 



services of an architect are not always to be had, and the man who is 

 responsible for the arrangement of the halls and cases in a museum should 

 be able to do this work effectively. If a collection is to be exhibited at 

 all, it should h^ done well, and I have little sympathy with my judicious 

 friend who protested against the writing of this chapter on the ground 

 that such "considerations of upholstery" are beneath the dignity of an 

 institution of learning. 



The success of installation, like that of every art, depends largely upon 

 attention to minute details. Insignificant as they may seem, the slight- 

 est of these is as worthy of consideration as that which seems to be the 

 greatest. 



2. Installation work has to do with two matters: (a) The arrangement 

 of halls, and of cases and other objects with relation to the halls, light, 

 and general effect, i^b) The construction and fitting of cases and the 

 arrangement of objects and labels within the cases. The form and 

 arrangement of labels is also intimately connected with installation, but 

 this will hereafter be discussed under the head of ' ' Labels. ' ' ' 



B, — THK ARRANGKMKNT OP HAIvI^. 



Among the essential features of effective arrangement of floor .space 

 are the following: 



1. An arrangement in each hall, and especially in that which is first 

 entered, which shall convey to the visitor an impression of the character 

 and aims of the museum, and at the same time give an impression of 

 repose, dignity, and beauty. The impression which the mind receives 

 immediately after the first door has been passed is always the strongest 

 and most lasting. 



2. A single entrance and one consecutive line of progress through the 

 halls is most advantageous, both to administrator and visitor, and should 

 be duly considered. 



3. If the main or circulation aisles be wide and uninterrupted, and 

 there are occasional broad spaces in front of important exhibits, the pas- 

 sages between the cases may be very narrow, provided the cases are built 

 with this view. 



4. The exhibits should be so arranged that their general features may 

 be apprehended in a rapid stroll through the halls, while those wishing 

 to study a special subject minutely may find the extended collections in 

 close proximity to the landmark exhibits intended for the casual visitor. 

 A striking exhibit at the end of a wide aisle may be used to draw visitors 

 to a particular portion of the hall. 



5. In the interest of good light and general effect the lower cases and 

 objects should be placed nearest the main aisles and the center of the 

 hall, while tall cases should be farthest from the eye. 



'See Chapter IX, A, 1-6, p. 229; D. 3, p. 234. 

 NAT MUS 97, PT 2 15 



