The Channel Islands National Park Mainland Visitor Center
exhibition was redesigned by The Henley Company as part of an
overall renovation. The team provided the planning, exhibit design,
and content development for new dioramas, graphics, signage,
interpretive exhibits and audiovisual media. The new exhibition also
brought the center into interpretive compliance with ADA
requirements.
The team visited the islands to familiarize themselves with the
resource and storyline. The exhibition provides a sense of what the
islands are like (since most visitors will never actually set foot on
them). The displays also serve to motivate those visitors with a
strong interest to make the trip. Thematic scenic treatments enhance
the live animal tidepool display. Tactile and computer interactives
provide varied learning experiences.
The design was reviewed with local Chumash tribes. Content
development included original subject and image research, as well
as text writing and editing. Customized window graphics made use
of natural light to create energy-saving backlit translucent
“lightboxes.”
Lyn Henley: Planner, Researcher, Writer
Michael Palumbo: Conceptual Exhibit Designer
Valerie Faithorne: Exhibit Designer, Graphics Designer
Phyllis Persechini: Graphics Production Designer
Design Completed: 2009
Owner: National Park Service, Channel Islands