Paine Art Center and Gardens

Purpose: Supporting Lifelong Learning The goal of the Visitor Experience Enhancement project is to support lifelong learning by making the Paine Art Center and Gardens visitor experience more welcoming, educational, and inspirational. The strategic planning process and the results of a visitor experience assessment identified the need to improve navigability through the museum as well as to identify and interpret the Paine's key features. This project will develop and implement a comprehensive master plan for visual wayfinding and an interpretive system for visitors that will address the Paine's historic house, botanical gardens, art collections, and exhibitions. The system will include permanent signage and a selection of printed materials, such as a map and gallery/garden guides. During Phase 2 of the project, the Paine will develop and test the content and design of the system of signs and printed materials. During Phase 3, it will fabricate and install the system. During Phase 4, it will evaluate visitor response to the system and make final refinements. The project will create a lasting system of signs and literature that welcomes people to the museum; educates them about the many aspects of the historic house, botanical gardens, and art museum; and inspires them in their own creative homemaking, gardening, and art-making.