Top Tips for Motor Exhibition Displays - Absolute Museum & Gallery Products

Top Tips for Motor Vehicle Exhibitions and Displays

Designing a vehicle display? In this article we explore five top tips that will help you to present, protect and explain the vehicle whilst creating a premium visitor experience.

Overview of top tips for creating a motor exhibition display:

Choose a barrier height that balances display safety and visitor experience, for your specific application
Select the finish that suits the vehicle(s), brand and overall stand design
Ensure there is enough distance between visitor and vehicle
Mind the finishing details
Engage your audience

We explore each of these in more detail below...

1. Choose a barrier height that balances display safety and visitor experience, specific for your application

Discrete, low height barrier or waist height barrier? Low height barriers offer a discrete and effective method for protecting your display in most instances, but when it comes to venues or displays that you expect to attract more footfall and be more densely packed with visitors, we recommend using a waist height barrier system (e.g. our Q Barrier or 1000mm Barrier) on the floor, or by displaying the vehicle on a raised plinth, with a low height barrier fixed to the plinth (e.g. our Surface Mounted Barrier).

The lower the barrier, the less interrupted the visitor’s line of sight, which is always preferential. It is just a case of balancing that with visitor safety and vehicle protection. The great thing about our elasticated cord is that at any height it draws a clear boundary line whilst only being 5mm thick, thus creating minimal visual interuption.

2. Select the finish that suits the vehicle(s), brand and stand design

For darker vehicles or race cars, black barriers paired with black cord looks crisp and understated, whereas for lighter coloured vehicles or vehicles featuring highlights and detail, stainless steel barriers can be better suited.

In the two examples above, you can see how the two different barrier finishes work perfectly with the specific vehicles and overall display concept (Left: Q Barrier Freestanding in Stainless Steel, Right: Surface Mounted Barrier in Black)

3. Ensure there is enough distance between visitor and vehicle

How close is too close? The cord stretched straight neatly between barriers is a universal language stating ‘do not touch’, but visitors may sometimes still be overly enthusiastic. In these instances, if you need to ensure there is zero contact, we recommend a gap between barriers and vehicle of at least 900mm, and in some instances more may be required.

In the image above, not only is the car positioned well out of touching distance from the edge of the protective barriers, it is also raised up on a plinth, giving the car further stature and 'seperateness' from the crowd. It is quite clear here that a generous space between the car and crowd has been intentially and clearly created.

4. Mind the finishing details

Keep it tidy and organised; it seems obvious, but when installing barriers, ensure consistent and even spacing between barriers, any inconsistency can draw the eye and look messy.

Also, take care to finish cord neatly by trimming and inserting into the barrier turret, rather than wrapping or knotting the cord. Uneven spacing, droopy cord and visible knots instantly distracts the eye and appears amateurish. No matter the vehicle, the goal is always a sleek and professional finish.

5. Engage your audience

Visitors that have access to more information or knowledge almost universally enjoy a deeper, more connected experience and as a result share more with friends and family. You can assist this process with our signage systems that integrate seamlessly with our barriers, or with separate signage such as information stands.

For advice about a specific vehicle or show stand design please contact us, we have a wealth of knowledge to share.

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