Portland Observatory
Exhibit Planning and Design

The Observatory has been a familiar sight on the east end of Portland’s peninsula for nearly 200 years. The Portland Observatory has been meticulously restored to its 19th century condition and now houses interpretive exhibits. The exhibits take a visitor from the Observatory’s vibrant past as signal tower, weather station, and community gathering spot through its recognition as a National Historic Landmark to the present day restoration that was celebrated in a reopening to the public in 2000. We designed exhibits for the first, second, and top floor of the six-story tower.

We researched, wrote, and designed the exhibit panels to celebrate the historic landmark’s link to the past and designed the custom-made exhibit frames and lighting to ensure their use and enjoyment into the future. This project was completed in collaboration with Richard Renner Architects.