• The exhibit brand identity features an acacia tree, native to the Hadar region of Ethiopia where Lucy was discovered. The golden light represents the time of day when fossils become more visible in the rough and rocky landscape.
    The exhibit brand identity features an acacia tree, native to the Hadar region of Ethiopia where Lucy was discovered. The golden light represents the time of day when fossils become more visible in the rough and rocky landscape.
  • Visitors enter the open 2,500 sq. ft. gallery space directly from the admission area. It is a transitional zone to the Museum’s large galleries, gift shop and outdoor wildlife area.
    Visitors enter the open 2,500 sq. ft. gallery space directly from the admission area. It is a transitional zone to the Museum’s large galleries, gift shop and outdoor wildlife area.
  • The model of Lucy walking upright resulted from the discovery of the partial fossilized skeleton. While only 3-1/2 ft. tall, her upright walking led to the confirmation of a new species.
    The model of Lucy walking upright resulted from the discovery of the partial fossilized skeleton. While only 3-1/2 ft. tall, her upright walking led to the confirmation of a new species.
  • The introduction explains how Dr. Donald Johanson, a young CMNH curator of physical anthropology stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime fossil.
    The introduction explains how Dr. Donald Johanson, a young CMNH curator of physical anthropology stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime fossil.
  • The translucent Q & A panels allow the landscape to show through. Authentic photos recorded the 1974 discovery capturing Dr. Johanson and his team on the camp site.
    The translucent Q & A panels allow the landscape to show through. Authentic photos recorded the 1974 discovery capturing Dr. Johanson and his team on the camp site.
  • Key scientific terms that appear in the content panels are explained to the visitor for ease of understanding.
    Key scientific terms that appear in the content panels are explained to the visitor for ease of understanding.
  • An island exhibit in the middle of the space invites the visitor to “touch and feel” skulls to compare characteristics and watch a video interview with Dr. Johanson.
    An island exhibit in the middle of the space invites the visitor to “touch and feel” skulls to compare characteristics and watch a video interview with Dr. Johanson.
  • Opposite the “skull island” is Lucy in Life: The Environment. It is the largest panorama covering 32 ft. of wall and explains Lucy
    Opposite the “skull island” is Lucy in Life: The Environment. It is the largest panorama covering 32 ft. of wall and explains Lucy's anatomy and what she would have looked like, her habitat, and the importance of her discovery.
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Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Finding Lucy: Our First Steps in Discovery Exhibit

Our firm worked with the CMNH team – writer, curator and videographer – to create the exhibit celebrating the 45th anniversary of the discovery of the iconic “Lucy” specimen. The 1974 discovery of the 3.2 million-year-old fossil find propelled CMNH to international status in human origins research.

The content is organized in three themes located on the gallery walls:

• Lucy in the Field: The Discovery
• Lucy in the Lab: The Evidence and
• Lucy in Life: The Environment

The exotic geographic locations, scientific vernacular and awareness that the audience would be walking by, led us to suggest a “Q & A” format for content. Stunning panoramas of the Ethiopian landscape provided a true background for her story.

Project Recognition

Graphic Design USA (2019)

American Graphic Design Award for Environmental Graphics

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