MEMORIALIZING THE LEGACY OF THE BAND THAT PUT SEATTLE ON THE MUSICAL MAP
Iconic imagery and instruments, unexpected casework, and an original score composed for the exhibit work in unison to create a reverential space about Nirvana and the Pacific Northwest alternative music scene.
Project: Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses
Gallery Type: 2,500 sq.-ft. touring exhibition
Our Role: Exhibition design; Art direction
ProjectPartners: Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), Seattle, WA; Belle & Wissell Co., Seattle, WA
Photos: Lara swimmer
Lasting Impression
Monumental photomurals and iconic instruments set the stage for the first part of the exhibit narrative, which presents Nirvana as the famous band they ultimately became.
Homegrown
Evocative of the Pacific Northwest without being cliché, rough hewn casework and fixtures designed for the show were built from lumber found on land owned by Nirvana bass player Krist Novoselic.
Charting the Scene
Infographics and guided listening stations explore what it takes to foster a vibrant music scene.
Looking Back
The latter part of the show focuses on the band before they were famous. This area is designed to afford more intimate encounters with personal artifacts.
