Introduction to The Exhibit Cheapbooks
The idea for the Exhibit Cheapbooks started during sessions at the annual Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Conference with the purpose of sharing “cheap” exhibit ideas and creating a written record of how to replicate these simple and successful exhibit components.
The first “Cheapbook” was compiled and edited by Paul Orselli and published by ASTC in 1995.
Subsequent volumes appeared in 1999, 2004, and 2014.
The Exhibit Cheapbooks have always celebrated the “sharing” nature of museums. You will find varied exhibit ideas from museum colleagues from around the world inside each volume. Sincere thanks to everyone who has shared their ideas and expertise! And special thanks to ASTC for allowing all the Exhibit Cheapbooks material to now be shared freely online.
Think of these Cheapbooks entries not as detailed shop drawings, but rather as creative jumping-off points for your own exhibit building.
Have fun!
Exhibits Cheapbook One was originally published in 1995 and contains 28 inexpensive exhibit ideas contributed by exhibit developers from around the world. Cheapbook One entries include: Adjustable Birthday Cake, Bernoulli Box, Giant Magnetic Tangrams, Mobius Zippers, and Resonant Rods.
(Please click the cover image to download the PDF)
Exhibits Cheapbook Two was originally published in 1999 and contains 27 inexpensive exhibit ideas contributed by exhibit developers from around the world. Cheapbook Two entries include: Air Table, Bead Loom, Face Changer, Magnetic Canvas, Howling Cats, and Swinging Stripes.
(Please click the cover image to download the PDF)
Originally published in 2004 and contains 28 inexpensive exhibit ideas contributed by exhibit developers from around the world. Cheapbook Three entries include: Archimedes Screw, Cork Floater, Thermal Impressions, Solar Windmill, and Thunder Barrel.
(Please click the cover image to download the PDF)
Exhibits Cheapbook Four was originally published in 2014 as a “Greatest Hits” compilation of the first three Exhibits Cheapbooks. In addition to the 30 “greatest hits” exhibits ideas, 12 new “bonus tracks” exhibit ideas are offered here, including: Bass Quake, Bermuda Bubbles, Dig-It, Gravel Travel, and Trashketball.
(Please click the cover image to download the PDF)