Exhibit Development

Planet Word

Planet Word

Planet Word is a new, start-up museum with a mission of inspiring a love of words and language. Developed by a former reading teacher and philanthropist, the idea for Planet Word is grounded in the belief that language and literacy are the keys to sustaining a vibrant democracy and society.

Planet Word initiated a major adaptive re-use project to convert the former historic Franklin School building in downtown Washington D.C. into a museum space. The program places a strong emphasis on experience-driven, interactive exhibits to create an immersive environment for museum visitors. The innovative project features nine permanent galleries, each with their own voice-activated experience; a standalone, puzzle-solving gallery; a voice-activated 22-foot-high Word Wall; and a 5,000-LED globe with word games.

Planet Word

American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

The temporary exhibits program at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) provide the opportunity for the Museum to highlight current science, research and trends.  These short-term exhibits are intended to attract and engage new and repeat visitors by providing special programming that diversifies the Museum’s offerings.

American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions that aims to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe. Founded in 1869, the Landmarked campus includes a combination of twenty-five historic and modern buildings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Over the last twenty-five years, Zubatkin has had the privilege of partnering with the Museum on its major capital projects and other master planning initiatives. Zubatkin’s work has involved a diverse series of new construction and renovation projects–all while maintaining operations within the facility and navigating a complex municipal approvals process. Many of the capital projects have required the coordination of funding from multiple sources, including support from New York City and State.

USGA Museum

USGA Museum

The United States Golf Association (USGA) Museum is an institution dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the game of golf and serves as a steward for the game’s history and future. The Museum is home to the world’s premier collection of golf artifacts and memorabilia.

To further its mission and improve the overall functionality of the museum, the USGA embarked on an expansion project to create the new Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History. The addition includes gallery spaces, research areas, library, collections storage, administrative offices and museum store. The Hall of Champions, one of the signature architectural spaces, was developed to showcase trophies from all of the USGA national championships. The project also includes a 10,000 sf putting green.

American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

A major component of the North Side project, the iconic Rose Center for Earth and Space represents one of the most significant additions to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)’s historic campus. The project involved the demolition of the landmarked Hayden Planetarium and the construction of a new modern glass structure. The dynamic building plays a vital role in furthering the Museum’s scientific and educational mission, and houses the spectacular Hayden Planetarium and Big Bang Theater, Cosmic Pathway, and Hall of the Universe. The accompanying exhibitions explore the 13-billion-year history of the universe and the dynamic features of the galaxies, stars and planets that make up the ecosystem.

In addition to the Rose Center, the North Side project included the Arthur Ross Terrace built over a new parking garage, the Weston Pavilion and the renovation of the Theodore Roosevelt Park.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Situated within the archaeological site of the original World Trade Center towers, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum documents and presents the story of loss and recovery of September 11, 2001 and the 1993 bombing through a series of interactive multimedia displays, archives, narratives and collection of monumental and authentic artifacts.

Delivered as a public-private partnership, this museum is comprised of a significant exhibit program that displays over 1,000 artifacts. The project also features a theater, media and interactive components, and reflective space for victims’ families. The memorial exhibition is located in the footprint of the South Tower and commemorates the victims of the attacks. The historical exhibition is in the footprint of the North Tower that examines the day of the attacks, what preceded them and how the events of 9/11 continue to shape the world. The remaining artifacts, such as the Last Column and Survivor’s Stairs, are displayed in the interstitial spaces.

American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

The permanent halls at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) are iconic spaces that represent the core of the Museum’s exhibit program.  In coordination with AMNH’s curatorial staff and senior leadership, Zubatkin assisted in developing a consistent process for the development of the permanent hall projects that allows for enhancement and utilization of the Museum’s infrastructure, as well as flexibility in content delivery for the long term.

Specific projects have included:

  • Milstein Hall of Ocean Life: Home to one of the Museum’s most celebrated displays, the Hall of Ocean Life highlights the complexity of the undersea world and the marine environment. The renovation of this dynamic hall involved new large-scale media and upgrades to the exhibits, iconic blue whale, ceiling lighting, fire protection systems and other infrastructure.
  • Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins: This dynamic exhibit pairs fossils with DNA research to present the remarkable history of human evolution, covering millions of years of human history. The project introduced all new exhibits, technology, and a new teaching classroom.
  • Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall: Charting Theodore Roosevelt’s journey from a budding naturalist to an elected leader with a deep commitment to conservation, the renovated hall includes a new bronze sculpture of Theodore Roosevelt and four key exhibition areas. The project also includes new audio-visual elements, as well as restoring the overall exterior and interior spaces.
  • Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda: A New York City interior landmark, the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda welcomes many visitors to the Museum and features an impressive dinosaur exhibit. The project involved the restoration of the historic murals, as well as improvements to the visitor circulation and lighting.
  • Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe: Located on the lower level of the Rose Center for Earth and Space, this hall presents the discoveries of modern astrophysics.  Zubatkin’s involvement focused on the completion of the construction, exhibit installation and close-out of the project.