(Last updated 1/24/2011)

Let's pull an initial figure out of the air for a start-up grant.
It's probably not worth anyone's time to look at a proposal for under $10k. Can the administration afford more?

Display cases off-the-shelf "tomorrow" will cost full retail.
Used and surplus display cases, fixtures and materials offer substantial savings, but will not be readily available.

Any exhibit designer would want to know the visual nature of the exhibit.
What are the "showpieces?" What graphics are required to get the concepts across?
What is the temperature and humidity fluctuation in the space?

Let's assume a 30x30 foot display room.

For a room this size, it is unlikely that we will find "standard" cases to fill the space to reasonable aesthetic standards.
At the Snmithsonian, the wall cases are of standard design, with minor variation, but it is the mixture of shapes and dimensions that make the exhibit special.
The cases and fixtures most likely would have to be "built to fit the materials and space."
I expect that we could do this "in-house" for a fraction (20-30%) of the cost of contracting with an exhibits designer.
Nevertheless, I have contacted several firms (linked to below) who specialize in this and am waiting to hear from them.
Others may be perused at the American Association of Museums Marketing Links for Display Cases."

Before installing start-up displays (which have the unfortunate habit of becomming permanent displays) one would want to expend some effort in upgrading the "look" of the empty room to make sure it complements the intended display cases and fixtures. This would likely minimally entail repainting, reflooring, reworking the ceiling and the lighting. Additionally, if a docent or curatorial assistant is to be availalbe when the exhibit is open, space needs to be allocated for a desk and chair(s). High quality microscopes may be acquired surplus for under $300 each, and if these are to become part of the display appropriate space should be allocated. Similarly, spaces for computer displays for movies and for graphics should be allocated at this stage. Once display cases and fixtures are installed, it will be a major undertaking to do any remodeling of the room. An intial display may be a focus for further fundraising. Additionally, it may become an excuse on the part of would-be fundors not to grant additional funds. Therefore, any funds expended on initial display cases and fixtures should be spent on supplies and materials that can be reused, reconfigured, and redesigned. To this end let me suggest the option of initially going with extruded aluminum framing, 1/4-inch float tempered glazing and ambient (track) lighting.

It is easy to build aesthetically-pleasing quality display cases. The main cost is that of glass and framing. For example, we built the Queen Charlotte Islands Museum to Category-A standing with display cases simply made from massive cedar planks. The utilized two uprights which were approximately 6x18" by 10' high, two cross-pieces which were 4x14" by 3' wide, a 3x3' plywood panel in back and a 3x3' glass in front. The glass was held by 1/2" square strips front-and-back. The design was simple and elegant, the construction was simple, and the only thing we paid for was the glass. The cedar was donated. You can see two of the cases at the right side of the photo below:

Let me work out a "do-it-yourself" estimate which may help to inform our decisions
whether we "do-it-ourselves" or "hire-someone-else-to-do-it."
The design assumptions are for the purposes of estimates only and subject to change.

Cost is nominally $6.40 per linear foot in 12 or 20' lengths.

Essentially we could do the same for the cost of the glass and the framing. The cost of glass and framing are detailed below.
Let me work out a "do-it-yourself" estimate which may help to inform our decisions whether we "do-it-ourselves" or "hire-someone-else-to-do-it."
Let's assume most of the walls will be covered with wall cases with the Smithsonian / TCU "look."
Assuming 21 feet of wall displays cases, or 7 cases each 3' wide, along each wall gives us 28 sheets or 84 feet of glass...
With 3' by 6' 1/4" float glass windows, mounted vertically, on the cases we would require 28 sheets.
We would need 8 sets of upright frame sides, 8' tall, per wall and 7 sets of cross frame tops and bottoms, 3' wide, per wall.
This is a total of 20' for each vertical upright side, or 160' for 8 vertical uprights. This is a total of and 12' for horizontal tops & bottoms each case, or 84' for 7 horizontal tops & bottoms.

THis gives a total of 160 + 84 or 244' per wall, or 976' for all four walls.
At $6.40 per foot, 80/20 type 1515 uprights woulc cost us $6246.40.
Standard 1/4" tempered float polished glass in those dimensions would cost circa $123 each or a total of $3321.
Low-iron 1/4" tempered float polished glass in those dimensions would cost circa $302 each or a total of $8154.
Thinner glass or acrylic and ligherter extrusions would cost less...
It is conceivable that a start-up display could be installed, using standard glass, 80/20 stock extrusions, paneling and lighting for under $10k.
This would require designing and assembling the display ourselves but it have the Smithsonian / TCU "look" and would be substantial, secure, attractive and of high quality.
The glass would lift-out with two suction-handles for working on exhibits. The glass needs to be limited in size to the weight one person can handle.

In summary, the "do-it-yourself" estimate for materials comes to $9,567.40 with standard glass.
In summary, the "do-it-yourself" estimate for materials comes to $14,400.40 with low-iron glass.
Other materials expenses would easily run another $3,000.
Add the cost of graphics, stands, labels, etc. for another $7,000.
All assuming our own labor plus applicable taxes.

I would say we were looking at from $20,000 to $30,000 for a professional quality do-it-yourself start-up display excluding island display cases.
The per-case cost would be about $700-1,100 per case.
Keep in mind that all of these materials may be reused to modify the displays in the future.

"80/20Stuff, Volume 5." Again, the display in this image is overly complex. We should opt for visually and structurally simple construction.

Image from "80/20Stuff, Volume 1." This case is the closest to the style I had envisioned for the estimate. It is simple and elegant. Assuming dimensions of 2x2x8' it would probably cost $400 for 64' of 1.5" extrusion and $250 four 2x4' pieces of glass. Total finished about $800.

Zone Display System, Quebec
Waiting to hear from them...