Layouts

A written or drawn schematic design for the layout of particular items is very helpful when installing the exhibition. We have included two forms of templates below - a downloadable PDF with accurate dimensions of each case, and an interactive PowerPoint with the same templates; We are happy to assist you in using these templates. Alternatively, even a hand-drawn layout or cutting out paper to the size of the cases and laying out items on a table is useful. Regardless, all layouts must include dimensions of each object on view.

First drafts of layouts are due ten weeks before installation to allow for time to evaluate requests for special lighting, stands, hanging arrangements, and display needs. These layouts must include dimensions of each object on view. Please reach out if you need guidance on how best to take the measurements of your objects.

Page openings for each book should be marked in advance with a strip of acid-free paper inserted in the book or indicated as a notation on the schematic. 

To help visualize objects in the 3D space, examples of previous installations are available via our Flickr, including:

• Mixed open and closed books (Treasures from the Hispanic Society)

• Bindings (Judging a Book by Its Cover) 

• Small-format objects (Best-Read Army in the World)

• Flats, ephemera, and large papers (A Century of Dining Out, Pattern & Flow)

Guidelines on Item Count 

For Ground Floor Gallery exhibitions, we expect exhibitors to show 125-140 objects, and we are able to accommodate no more than 150 total objects, abiding by the following maximums:

• Cases 1, 5, 7, and 11 (the outer corner cases) accommodate a maximum of 13 objects 

• Cases 2, 4, 8, and 10 (the inner cases) accommodate a maximum of 15 objects 

• Cases 3 and 9 accommodate a maximum of 10 objects 

• Case 6 accommodates a maximum of 12 objects 

• 1-2 framed items over the Cases 3 and 9. 

• 1-2 framed items hung on the South Wall

• All item labels should fit along the label rail. See Labels for more information on label design.

NB: If you plan to exhibit many large items, the maximum for each case will be lower. Images of previous exhibitions may reflect different final item counts. These current item counts reflect our updated guidelines.

We require layouts prior to the installation, regardless of whether you will be present, to ensure we have the appropriate resources onsite to install your objects.