Exhibitry

We develop living invertebrate exhibits from first sketch to long-term care. Our exhibitry combines biological expertise, design, and specialty fabrication to create living systems of unusual beauty, durability, and biological integrity.

Our Process
Concept for leafcutter interactive Basic exhibit concept Idea for showing ant paths over timeFinal concept for leafcutter exhibitGeometric inspiration
Concept for leafcutter interactive
Spotlight: Leafcutter Ant Permanent Exhibit
2018-Present

“The Centerpiece of the Insectarium”

Installed in the Gilder Center Insectarium, this permanent exhibit offers visitors a rare view into the living relationship between leafcutter ants and their fungal symbionts.

Development stages of the leafcutter exhibit at AMNH
Early inspiration for the foraging area
Concept for exhibit
Early drawings for fungus gardens
Concept for turntable
Final concept
Final concept for fungus gardens
Turntable in use
Fungus gardens secured in armature with ants free to roam
Finished exhibit
Orbs designed based on the shape of leafcutter fungus chambers in the wild, and selected by the ants from many prototypes.
Early orb concept
Prototyping blown glass orbs
Orb testing
Refining orb shape
Finalizing production
Orb installation with fungus