In 2004 the Kauffman Museum exhibit team began working with CSNA Architects to design a new permanent exhibit for the El Pomar Foundation Carriage Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The new Carriage Museum was opened at the Broadmoor Hotel in the new Events Center in December 2005.
The Carriage Museum features the Spencer Penrose collection of society carriages including two presidential vehicles plus a 1906 Renault Type AX, a 1928 Cadillac with custom-built body by Hibbard & Darrin, and racing cars from the Pikes Peak Hill Climb founded by Penrose.
The core of Kauffman Museum’s design philosophy is close interaction with those who will use and maintain the exhibit. Together the Kauffman Museum team, CSNA Architects, and El Pomar Foundation staff created an innovative, cost-effective design.
The Kauffman Museum team surveyed the collections and developed themes to organize the artifacts in the new gallery. This sketch by exhibit designer Chuck Regier shows the interaction of themes within the long, rectangular space of the new building.
A simple scale model enabled the team to play with interrelationships in three-dimensional space. Artifact placement, super graphics and the color palette were all tested in the model before going into production.
The Carriage Museum uses artifacts to tell stories—stories about the carriage era, coaching enthusiasts, and racing history… stories about Spencer and Julie Penrose whose legacy supports the museum…stories that inspire visitors to learn more.
El Pomar Foundation Carriage Museum
11 Lake Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
www.elpomar.org
719-577-7065
11 Lake Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
www.elpomar.org
719-577-7065
Museum hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am- 5pm
Sun: 1pm- 5pm
Open to the public and free of charge.
