Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Couple of an Age
Visual Identity, Exhibition
An award-winning yearlong exhibition spanning five galleries at the Morven Museum & Gardens in Princeton, NJ
Making the Canonical Contemporary
This year-long exhibition explores the triumphs and tragedies of 20th century icons Charles and Anne Lindbergh, spanning six galleries in the Morven Museum. The exhibition examines the continuing relevance of Charles’ historic flight, the kidnapping of the couple’s infant child, and their fall from public adoration to infamy. The design weaves together a multivalent narrative—including images, original artifacts, video clips, and infographics. Full-wall vinyl, custom cases, and projections were all designed to suit the 18th-century museum architecture.
Working with a historic landmark building
While we seek to redefine the given spatial condition for some exhibitions, the historic Morven architecture demanded a different approach. We laser-measured all elevations and developed a custom strategy, painting some elements, covering a select few with panels, and letting most architectural features shine through. Our goal was to showcase the thorough research of Morven's curators while increasing a sense of openness and grand scale. Physical models helped the whole team to collaborate better and imagine a bolder exhibition.
Traditional material, contemporary craft
Flat and three-dimensional artifacts were showcased in wall mounted cases, large-scale floor cases, and minimal plexiglass wall mounting mechanisms. We used solid mahogany, spray-painted brass metal rods, and commonly available connecting mechanisms to achieve an elevated design that evoked the trusses of the airplane that Charles Lindbergh had flown.
