7 Things to Look for in a Museum Portable Wall Panel System
When it comes to organizing museum exhibits, every aspect counts to create not only a functional and aesthetically pleasing exhibit, but also an immersive and enjoyable experience for visitors. Choosing the right portable wall panel system is one such important aspect that contributes to the success of an exhibit.
As a provider of quality portable wall systems in Canada, I understand the importance of selecting the right solution for your exhibition and your budget. Let me help you create an immersive and engaging experience for your visitors by helping you choose the right moving wall system for your exhibit. Here are what I think are the 7 most important key factors to consider, plus 3 additional factors that will help you compare and better evaluate portable wall systems for museums.
Key Elements to Consider for Your Portable Wall Panel System
1. Seamless Appearance
Just because a freestanding wall system is impermanent doesn’t mean it should appear as such. A quality wall system will connect to form a flush structure with minimal seams. Creating a smooth and continuous surface between the wall panels enhances the overall presentation of exhibits, providing a cohesive backdrop for the displays. This allows the focus to remain on the exhibits themselves, without any distracting visual interruptions from the wall structure.
2. Configurable
Exhibits come in all shapes and sizes, so your wall system should be able to adapt accordingly. I strongly recommend that you opt for wall panels that are configurable in various angles and available in different lengths, widths and heights. Also, consider how you are displaying the art; look for panels that can be nailed or screwed in and can withstand significant weight capacity, or panels that can accommodate art hanging systems for a nail-free alternative. This way, you can easily accommodate different exhibition requirements and arrange the art creatively.
3. Customizable
Selecting a portable wall system that allows for both vinyl applications and a paintable surface provides you with greater flexibility and versatility in museum design.
With self-adhesive vinyl coverings, you can easily add graphics, text, and images directly onto the walls. This enables you to convey important messages, provide context about the exhibits and integrate various media to engage visitors.
Alternatively, with a fresh coat of paint, you can easily update and transition between different displays, adapting the space to suit new exhibits without the need for significant structural changes. Moreover, the option to paint the surface allows you to choose colours that are complementary to the exhibit theme to create a cohesive environment.
4. User-friendly Installation and Dismantling
Maximizing efficiency is essential when it comes to exhibit installations. Look for ready-made walls that can be easily connected, fitted, mounted and leveled within minutes. For example, the Mila-Wall system available at Hunter Expositions features a patented interlocking mechanism that allows finished wall modules to be joined together easily and leveled starting from the top in the shortest possible time. This user-friendly system enables the creation of versatile spatial structures that can be used repeatedly.
Additionally, consider whether the panels come with simple assembly tools to facilitate quick and easy setup and dismantling. Having a lever roller or similar device that aids in lifting, moving, and lowering the panels can add convenience to your design process. With the ease and convenience of installation, you won’t need contractors to help with the setup. You’ll save money and save time!
5. Portable & Easy to Store
When it comes to a moveable wall system, the question of what to do with them once the exhibit is over can be a real challenge. Furthermore, the need to transfer the system from one exhibit to the next is an additional concern. That’s why it’s important to find a system that offers convenient transportation and storage options. Choose panels that can have designated transport and storage container carts for economical storage, damage protection during transit and hassle-free shipment.
6. Durable & Sturdy
A durable wall system can stand the test of time and repeated use and can be easily restored, and repaired if required. Make sure that the wall system is crafted from solid materials such as aluminum or wood to ensure stability. A freestanding system with a lightweight profile offers a sturdy alternative to fixed infrastructure, allowing for easy setup, takedown and transfer between exhibits. With a one-time purchase of a moveable wall system, you benefit from infinite reusability, offering the best possible return on investment.
7. Sustainability
I think sustainability should be at the forefront of every museum exhibit design. By incorporating factors such as recycled and renewable materials, eco-friendly production practices and waste-reducing packaging, you can actively contribute to sustainable exhibit design and reduce your eco footprint. Opting for wall systems that are responsibly made and designed for reusability allows you to be both eco and cost-conscious.
Discover the flexibility and durability of Mila-wall movable wall system in the video below.
More Elements Influencing Wall System Selection
With the integration of various capabilities and add-ons, museums now have greater opportunities to enrich and broaden their exhibition capabilities. Embracing these enhancements opens doors to improving user experiences and addressing existing challenges in museum exhibit design. Here are some additional features I think you should consider when choosing a portable wall system for museums.
8. Lighting & Cable Management
Illuminating specific displays and creating captivating focal points can transform exhibits. Some wall systems now come with attachable lights, offering the flexibility to light up one or both sides of the panel simultaneously. However, dealing with cords and wires can be tricky. To maintain the exhibit’s aesthetics, consider conduit panels equipped with a pathway and box inside, ensuring a clutter-free appearance with effective cable management.
9. Acoustic & Sound Management
Sound plays a significant role in creating a successful exhibit experience. You may want to reduce sound in a room or provide an evocative sound experience to your visitors. Consider acoustic panels that minimize reverberation while maximizing sound absorption to offer the best sensory experience. If you want to offer your visitors a unique audio experience, some companies, such as Mila-Wall, offer appealing panels with integrated surface speakers and a Bluetooth-enabled control option.
10. Safety & Security
Alongside being crafted from flame-retardant materials, some wall systems for museums like Mila-wall are equipped with built-in alarms for an added layer of protection. Many also offer different alert options, with a choice of optical, audible or alarm facility transmission, tailored to suit your preferences.
Seamless Museum Exhibit Designs with Moveable Wall Systems
Curating a captivating museum exhibit is within reach when you have the right tools and features at your disposal. By selecting a quality portable wall panel system that embodies versatility, flexibility and configurability, along with simple installation, durability and ease of storage and transport, you can streamline the design process and unlock endless possibilities while saving money. Now that you know exactly what to look for, you can bring your design vision to life and create unique exhibits with ease.
When it comes to choosing a portable wall panel system, it’s important to select a durable product that will maximize your return on investment. Hunter Expositions is pleased to offer the Mila-Wall moveable wall system to Canadian museums and galleries looking for a flexible, durable solution. Contact me for more information on our products.
Gery Hunter
info@hunterexpositions.com
514-683-7230
