Signage

At the Canadian Centre for Architecture we are going to place "Do
Not Touch" signs near objects which are being displayed without
plexiglas covers.  We have tried to rely on "psychological barriers"
when actual physical barriers were not used, but we've found these
don't always work.  We are also considering putting an explanatory
sign at the entrance to our exhibitions, briefly stating WHY
visitors should not touch the objects.  Have other museums posted
such a message and found it to be effective?  Can anyone provide the
wording for such a message, or suggest where they have seen an
effective message that encourages visitors to treat the objects with
respect?   We'd like visitors to understand that the "hands-off"
attitude is meant to preserve objects for the enjoyment of future
visitors.  We hope to instill in visitors a sense of responsibility
and appreciation for the objects.  And at the same time we want the
message to be short and sweet.

Finally--does the "Do Not Touch" message work, or will people touch
anyway, given the opportunity?

Karen Potje
Canadian Centre for Architecture


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:1
                  Distributed: Wednesday, June 6, 2001
                        Message Id: cdl-15-1-019
                                  ***