American Museum of Natural History

Like many museums, the American Museum of Natural History uses its landmark building as a source of income by renting out the entry hall (among other spaces including 'sleepovers' at the Blue Whale exhibition). Mobile entry hall ticketing, membership and information desks had to be mobile enough to empty the hall on demand, yet permanent enough to match the gravitas and monumentality of the space.

The ornately decorated, neo-classical lobby is dominated by a towering exhibit of dinosaur skeletons that reaches more than 30 feet high into the vast space. Ticket sales, information desks and the entry to the exhibition halls are located behind this display. In order to ensure for visitors visibility and access to these service areas, Biber Architects constructed vertical, illuminated clock towers that act as both signposts and entry markers at the end of each desk.

Each pillar is comprised of colorful graphic panels that can be changed to post information about museum exhibits and activities. The bronze-clad, terrazzo-topped desks were custom designed to house literature and equipment in a manner that ensures ease of use for both museum personnel and visitors.

With a modern look but traditional functions, the new desks contrast and complement their surroundings and are extremely effective in meeting both the museum's and the visitors' visual communication needs.