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University of Nebraska Medical Center
Centuries of artifacts showcased to
educate and enlighten.
Founded in 1869, The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is one of the nation’s preeminent medical research universities and teaching hospitals. UNMC’s long-established Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library is home to an impressive, multi-story collection of medical books, archival documents, research materials, and medical artifacts, including a rare book collection that dates back to the 14th and15th centuries.
When the university decided to embark upon a building-wide renovation of the library’s historic Wittson Hall building and turn it into a collaborative Student Learning Center and Commons, they chose DI as the museum exhibit designer to help showcase their story for students and staff, as well as prospective students, families, and visiting dignitaries.
DI worked early on with the Library staff and the school’s Chancellor to come up with a cohesive story and vision for the new exhibits. During exhibit planning, designers at DI developed high-fidelity fundraising materials that helped the University obtain several rounds of generous donor funding to ensure the installation of the exhibits by the grand opening of the new Wigton Heritage Center in 2021.
The exhibits, which cover the first three floors of the newly renovated building, were designed to address three different audiences at different levels of engagement. On the first floor, large-scale digital and graphic displays address students, staff, and the general public along active thoroughfares, imparting the rich history of the school and its esteemed leaders throughout the years. The displays provide a high-level overview for busy passers-by and several additional levels of interaction and depth for those with time to stop and learn more.
3 Floors
Artifacts are displayed across three levels within the building
14th Century
Oldest artifacts date back to the 14th-15th Centuries
On the second-floor student commons area, more in-depth exhibits are displayed throughout passageways and collaborative/study areas for students and staff to learn more about the history of their field, including: a special collection of historical medical instruments from the Civil War era and other artifacts that span several centuries, an 1870s era dentist office diorama created with authentic artifacts on loan from an avid collector, including a digital portal to view the rest of his vast collection, a singular collection of diverse infant feeding apparatus that have been used over the millennia and across the globe, important historic figures that contributed to the cultural diversity of the school, and a special exhibit on UNMC’s place in the early treatment of Ebola.
The executive floor showcases select high-end exhibits tailored specifically for the school Chancellor and visiting dignitaries, including an extensive rare book collection requiring NARA-quality handling and preservation. The exhibit design allows for the staff to easily change out the books or pages on display, in order to preserve the fragile artifacts and keep them intact.
Learn more about Archival Casework, Digital Interactives, Environmental Design, and Exhibit Planning and Design.
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Carole Hollman
Practice Director - Cultural
With over 13 years of experience in the museum design/build world, Carole has successfully led and facilitated large-scale exhibit and interpretive projects of national importance around the country for over a decade. Carole’s passion... more about Carole Hollman
Paul Martin
Director of Transit and Advanced Manufacturing
Brought onboard to Dimensional Innovations in 2020, Paul has over 20 years of experience developing and executing some of the world’s most challenging architectural cladding projects. He specializes in working directly with design,... more about Paul Martin
