“Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life”

 

The concept developed by the Haley Sharpe Design team, led by Harry Rubenstein from the Smithsonian Institution and Jan Faulkner, Creative Director at HSD, then delivered by resources from both the UK and Canadian offices, focused on juxtaposing the interpretive history of Lincoln’s life with iconic artifacts from the Smithsonian Institutions collections.  

 

One of the main drivers in the design process was to consider the flow of the visitors within the gallery, the visual impact of presenting key moments in Lincoln’s life via personal stories, dynamic imagery and “real history”  via the artifacts’ themselves - making the experience layered and natural for the visitor. 

 

The result is an exhibition that is fresh, modern, and considerate.  The design integrates the roots of Lincoln’s life into the feel of the exhibition and the personality of the space.

 

This the first time that 60 objects and 50 graphics associated with Lincoln’s life will be viewed.  The Haley Sharpe Design team worked with the Smithsonian’s team from conceptual design through to fabrication management- carefully choosing graphic elements and artifacts that speak to the visitor and support the story of one of the most famous American presidents. 

 

 “As a whole, the exhibition presents a more personal and intimate look at Lincoln, whose story has become so mythic, and was a real individual.  Through all his achievements, successes and tragedies, he led extraordinary life, “said Harry Rubenstein, the exhibition’s curator and chair of the museum’s division of politics and reform. 

 

 

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