Bishop museum
Modular Acrylic Showcase Panels
The Bishop Museum needed to redesign their exhibit showcases to be modular, lightweight, collapsible, and reconfigurable while still protecting valuable Hawaiian artifacts.
To support their new design, we supplied precision-cut acrylic panels that formed the viewing panes of each showcase. The museum team was able to review our in-stock sheet sizes and pricing online, design their framework accordingly, and provide us with exact CNC files detailing panel dimensions and mounting hole locations.
We CNC-cut each acrylic panel to specification, allowing the museum to quickly assemble the panels into their custom framework and complete the showcases on schedule.
Why it worked:
Parts were manufactured to exact specifications for a precise fit
In-stock acrylic inventory allowed for fast material availability
Local Hawaii supply reduced lead times and simplified coordination
Transparent inventory and pricing helped streamline the design process
Designing a custom display, enclosure, or fabricated plastic component? Contact us to discuss your application
14ft Case for Feather Artifact
The Bishop Museum needed a custom display case long enough to showcase a 14-foot feather artifact mounted on a climate-controlled base. No commercially available acrylic sheet was large enough to meet the required length for the exhibit.
To solve this, we seamed multiple acrylic sheets together, carefully cemented and polished the joints, and fabricated a single continuous panel suitable for museum display. This approach allowed the museum to complete a case that could properly protect and present the artifact without compromising visibility or structural integrity.
The finished case became the longest display case the Bishop Museum has produced to date, enabling the artifact to be displayed as intended.
Why it worked:
Multiple acrylic sheets were seamlessly joined to achieve the required length
Polished seams maintained clarity and presentation quality
Custom fabrication allowed the case to integrate with an existing climate-control base
In-house capability made a non-standard display possible
Need oversized or non-standard acrylic components for a display or enclosure? Contact us to discuss your application
Oversized Case for Donated Artwork
The Bishop Museum received a donated painting measuring 10 feet in length, requiring a protective display case with an interior dimension large enough to accommodate the artwork without compromising clarity or structural integrity.
To meet this requirement, we reconfigured the joint design and sourced 3/8-inch thick acrylic sheets long enough to span the full length of the case. Because this material was not stocked locally, we coordinated directly with mainland manufacturers to secure the correct sheet size and thickness, then managed logistics to ensure delivery aligned with the museum’s exhibit opening schedule.
The completed case provided the necessary interior clearance while maintaining the visual quality and protection required for a high-value artwork.
Why it worked:
Joint configuration was adjusted to maximize usable interior dimensions
Specialized acrylic material was sourced to meet span and thickness requirements
Logistics were coordinated to meet a fixed exhibit opening timeline
Custom fabrication enabled protection of an oversized, one-of-a-kind artwork
Have an oversized or time-sensitive display requirement? Contact us to discuss your project.
Ongoing Various Display Cases
Over the years, the Bishop Museum has worked with us on a variety of custom display cases supporting rotating exhibits and long-term installations. These projects range from individual case components to complete acrylic enclosures, each designed to meet specific size, visibility, and preservation requirements.
This gallery highlights examples of that ongoing work and reflects our ability to support custom, non-standard display needs as exhibits evolve.
