Museum Mondays: From Idea to Installation - How an Exhibit Comes to Life
Ever wondered how a museum exhibit goes from a spark of inspiration to a fully installed experience? At the West Chicago City Museum, each exhibit is the result of months (sometimes years!) of research, collaboration, and creativity. In this post, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how we turn ideas into immersive, educational spaces that serve and reflect our community. And if you haven’t seen our latest exhibit “Rooted in Place” that we just opened last Saturday, stop in and see it soon now that you have a better idea of what it took to put it all together!
Finding the Spark
Every exhibit starts with a question: What story needs to be told? That question might come from an upcoming anniversary, a community partnership, an object in our collection, or a conversation with a visitor. Sometimes, it's a timely topic that resonates with larger cultural conversations. No matter the source, the best exhibit ideas are rooted in curiosity and connection.
Research and Listening
Once we have a concept, we dive into research. This includes exploring our archives, gathering oral histories, interviewing local residents, and reaching out to partner organizations. Listening to our community is a key part of this phase—we want to know what matters to you, what memories are tied to the topic, and what perspectives need to be centered. In our newest “Rooted in Place” exhibit we highlighted area farms from West Chicago’s past and will be continuing to add more as we hear from community members throughout 2025. Many people stop into the Museum with their own stories of growing up in this area when it was more rural, something many people don’t think about today.
Exhibit planning listening session at the City Museum
Building the Story
Next comes the storytelling phase. We work to shape a clear narrative: What are the main themes? Which voices will we include? How do we include as many perspectives as possible? How do the artifacts, photos, documents, and digital media support that story? This is where the interpretive plan comes together—a blueprint that guides everything from label text to layout.
Design and Fabrication
This is when ideas start becoming physical. Our team (often in collaboration with designers, artists, and volunteers) plans the flow of the space, chooses colors, builds mounts, and tests lighting. We think about how people of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds will move through the exhibit. Accessibility, clarity, and engagement are top priorities.
Programming and Community Engagement
We don't stop at the walls. As the exhibit takes shape, we also begin developing programs and events to deepen the experience: talks, school visits, workshops, or special panels. We may co-host events with local organizations or invite residents to contribute their own stories. These programs help make the exhibit a living, breathing space of learning.
Please touch stations allow visitors to literally feel more connected to our history
Installation Week (and All the Tiny Details)
Finally, it's installation time! This can be a whirlwind of painting, hanging, placing objects, troubleshooting labels, and final walkthroughs. It’s a team effort with lots of hours, ladders, and attention to detail. The moment we open the doors is always special—and we’re just as eager to learn from visitor reactions as we are to share the work. As a small museum, we also have the flexibility to respond to guests suggestions and make edits through the run of an exhibit. We are always happy to hear feedback!
Exhibit installation always gets a little sticky:)
Each exhibit is a labor of love, collaboration, and intention. At the West Chicago City Museum, we see every project as an opportunity to connect with our community and make history feel personal, relevant, and alive.
Out of the Woods exhibit at the City Museum in collaboration with Illinois Institute of Technology
Stay tuned as we turn our Museum Mondays over to some Collection Highlights in the coming weeks!
