Partagez sur
Hunterian Museum
Par : Casson Mann
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17e édition
Discipline : Design d’intérieur
Catégories : Culture, sport & loisir / Musée & galerie : Certification Or
Complex, fascinating, sometimes uncomfortable, Casson Mann’s redesign of the Hunterian Museum draws out the story of John Hunter, the history of anatomy and surgery, helping visitors understand the significance of an incredible collection. The Hunterian is named after the surgeon and anatomist John Hunter (1728-1793), whose collections form the basis of the museum. Casson Mann worked closely with the Royal College of Surgeons of England over a six-year period to create a series of eight contemporary, interpretive galleries. Object displays combine with interactive and projected media and soundscapes, drawing visitors into the strange and fascinating world of John Hunter.
Original exhibition narrative: Our design concept strengthens the exhibition narrative by establishing a strong chronology and interweaving stories of Hunter, his legacy, the history of surgery and its practice today. Full of surprises and curious juxtapositions, eight galleries trace the evolution of medical knowledge over time. Hunter’s self-professed “grand curiosity” inspires the compelling narrative journey: as visitors explore they engage deeply with Hunter’s insatiable scientific enquiry, responsible for so many medical innovations.
Making it human: Casson Mann showed an original approach to a medical collection by highlighting the essential humanity at the heart of medical endeavour. Patient stories highlight the human outcomes of experimental procedures and inventions. The design aesthetic of each gallery immerses visitors in distinct time periods, placing events in a social context and lending warmth and vibrance to clinical artefacts. So, dramatic lighting gives a historical ambience to the Early Anatomy gallery, while a soundscape of animal noises announces the gallery exploring Hunter’s animal menagerie. The ‘Leicester Square’ gallery evokes Hunter’s family home through its Georgian colour palette and gilded portraits, while the gallery about modern surgery uses recognisably 20th-century lighting and a density of objects to express the explosion of technology that supports the work of medical personnel today.
Innovative use of technology: Technology enhances visitors’ understanding of exhibits and makes for a truly engaging exhibition. Specially commissioned soundscapes subtly elevate the narrative experience, and interactive touchscreens and tabletop projections encourage curiosity, such as an animated digital version of Hunter’s case book, a microscope interactive and an anatomical tabletop projection. Creatively directed by Casson Mann, they enrich object displays with remarkable archive material.
Beautiful wow moment: The design highlight is the Long Gallery. Over 3,000 specimens stored in bespoke jars and cases are illuminated to spotlight intricate details and draw visitors into close contemplation of their contents. The lighting is crucial here: delicate specimens are sensitively lit to avoid damage, while internal light is reflected off the display case glass to illuminate graphic panels from within. By avoiding external lighting in this way, the gallery looks dark and light emanates from the cases only. The result is a exceptional gallery, lined with display cases of massed specimens which glow. This high-quality display creates an incredible wow moment for visitors.
Emotional resonance: The sensitivity, vibrancy and warmth of the design help visitors understand the collections and respond emotionally. The final gallery shows the heart of Jennifer Sutton, who donated it after her own life-saving transplant, displayed in front of a filmed scene of surgery today. This creates a moving end note, emphasising the humanity of medical endeavour.
An appealing and enjoyable visitor experience: Overall, the transformed Hunterian effectively inspires people’s curiosity and prompts repeat visits. After opening to the public, the museum even had to introduce timed ticketing for the first time due to the popularity of the redesigned visitor experience.
Collaboration
Gestionnaire de projet : Fraser Randall
