Behind the Scenes of Exhibit Installs | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

August 28, 2025

Get the Inside Scoop! Exhibit Install Edition

The Fernbank Exhibits Team is always hard at work.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to bring Fernbank’s exciting exhibits to life? You’re not alone! Here’s the scoop from behind the scenes on how our special exhibits come together and how we update permanent exhibits to keep them current.

How does the exhibit’s team decide which traveling exhibits to bring to the museum?

We have a committee comprised of board and staff members that helps guide the selection of exhibits. During the approval process, we weigh factors like audience appeal, exhibit space requirements and availability. We want to ensure that every exhibit we host is both meaningful for our visitors and practical behind the scenes.

How far in advance do you plan the exhibits’ calendar?

We plan years in advance! Selecting which exhibits to host involves a lot of moving parts and coordination. In some cases, traveling exhibits have a set tour schedule with a lineup of institutions, so we need to plan ahead to secure our spot.

How long does it take to unpack and install everything?

It really depends on the exhibit. We usually don’t unpack everything at once, but rather as pieces are needed. Some exhibits take three weeks to install; some take less than two! Exhibits with lighter components or fewer “pieces” are usually faster to install.

Which exhibit was the hardest to install and why?

Our outdoor exhibits can be challenging due to Atlanta’s extreme temperatures and the significant physical labor they require.

Are there any challenges in making a traveling exhibit fit?

Sometimes, if an exhibit is too large or too small for our temporary gallery space, we will have to slightly alter the layout using temporary walls — so that’s something we always keep an eye on. Another challenge is making sure we have the electronic components positioned in a good place to easily run power to them.

Do you ever add your own touches to traveling exhibits to make them unique experiences to Fernbank?

We do! It usually depends on the exhibit’s content and whether we have extra space. For example, in the current Turtles exhibit, we added extra panels highlighting Georgia turtle conservation, along with an interactive where guests can test their knowledge.

Which upcoming exhibit are you most excited about and why?

Our Exhibitions Manager, Emily, recently had the chance to preview Planet Ice, opening in February 2026, and she’s thrilled about it:

"Planet Ice has great content and is very interactive, so it’s going to be an amazing experience for guests. I’m also really looking forward to Winter Wonderland, opening Nov. 22. This cultural exhibit showcases holiday traditions from around the world, blending cultures, colors and unique stories that everyone can enjoy.”

How often are the permanent exhibits updated with new information?

While our permanent exhibits don’t change frequently, we regularly make small updates to enhance visuals or add new content. Recently, we’ve focused on adding interpretive signage throughout Fernbank Forest and introducing fresh content to Nature Quest, our interactive indoor exhibit for kids.

What are some things that you do to make the exhibit spaces more accessible to guests?

A key part of our work is ensuring that exhibits can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. We follow—and often exceed—ADA guidelines for wheelchair accessibility, which also benefits guests with strollers. We also focus on making text clear and easy to read for visually impaired visitors. Additionally, we’re expanding the number of languages and sensory experiences available in our exhibits.

Learn more about permanent and traveling exhibits and check out our calendar of events for the inside scoop on Fernbank. Subscribe to our newsletter for the scoop to be delivered directly to your inbox!