uss missouri
“Pathway to Peace” Exhibit Displays
USS Battleship Missouri | Pearl Harbor, HI
The USS Battleship Missouri was preparing to open a new exhibit, “Pathway to Peace,” featuring a collection of personal wartime items including a violin, clothing, books, and other historical objects. The exhibit required custom display solutions that would secure and present delicate items without pinning, puncturing, or damaging any fabrics or materials.
Working closely with the curatorial team, we developed a discreet clamping system designed to support each item while remaining visually unobtrusive and respectful of the artifacts’ integrity. Custom acrylic risers were fabricated at varying heights to present items at optimal viewing levels, including a unique display solution specifically designed for the violin.
The cases and risers were fabricated from 3/8-inch clear acrylic for strength, stability, and visual clarity. Components were heat-formed and bent wherever possible to minimize cemented joints, resulting in clean lines and durable assemblies. Throughout the process, we collaborated with the museum team on design concepts, mock-ups, and final fabrication to meet a time-sensitive exhibit opening schedule.
Why it worked:
Custom clamping systems secured artifacts without damaging materials
Tailored riser heights improved visibility and visitor experience
Bent acrylic construction minimized seams and cemented joints
Close coordination with curators ensured design accuracy
Fast turnaround met a fixed exhibit opening deadline
The finished display cases provided secure, museum-quality presentation while maintaining a clean, unobstructed view of historically significant items.
Need custom display solutions for delicate or non-standard artifacts? Contact us to discuss your exhibit requirements.
Modular Curved Acrylic Piano Display Case
USS Battleship Missouri | Pearl Harbor, HI
The USS Battleship Missouri required an upgraded display case for a historic piano previously housed in a system built from aluminum extrusions and bolted acrylic panels. While functional, the existing case created visual obstructions and presented potential safety and operational concerns, including the risk of the top panel collapsing if weight were placed on it.
The new design focused on creating a cleaner, more professional presentation while eliminating flat surfaces where visitors could place objects or climb. To achieve this, we designed a curved-face acrylic case that improved visibility, enhanced structural performance, and removed the ability for items to rest on top of the enclosure.
A key constraint was access: all components needed to fit through a 2′ × 4′ opening, requiring the case to be modular and assembled on site. The curved acrylic panels were precision-cut, pre-polished, and designed to sit within a track system, allowing the case to be securely bolted together quickly during installation.
Additional considerations were made for the uneven, sloping floor, incorporating a height-adjustable front base to ensure proper alignment and stability once installed. The case was assembled on site in just a few hours, minimizing exhibit downtime and allowing installation to take place while the museum remained open.
Why it worked:
Curved design improved safety and eliminated load-bearing top surfaces
Modular construction allowed components to pass through limited access openings
Precision-cut and pre-polished panels ensured fast, clean on-site assembly
Adjustable base accommodated uneven flooring conditions
Rapid installation minimized exhibit closure time
The completed piano case delivers improved safety, unobstructed viewing, and a refined presentation suited to a high-profile historic exhibit.
Need a modular or on-site–assembled display solution for a challenging space? Contact us to discuss your exhibit requirements.
