Museum exhibit text panels transform objects into stories. According to museum visitor studies, well-written exhibit text increases average visitor engagement time by 40% and improves comprehension and retention of key concepts. Strategic text placement accommodates diverse audiences—from quick scanners to deep readers.
Word Count Guidelines by Panel Type
Panel Types and Lengths
| Panel Type | Word Count | Reading Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title panel | 5-10 words | 3 seconds | Hook and identify theme |
| Introduction panel | 150-200 words | 90 seconds | Orient and provide framework |
| Section headers | 15-25 words | 10 seconds | Guide navigation |
| Main interpretive panels | 100-150 words | 60 seconds | Detailed information |
| Object labels | 25-75 words | 15-30 seconds | Individual artifact context |
| Quote panels | 15-40 words | 10-20 seconds | Human voice/emotion |
| Interactive prompts | 10-25 words | 5-10 seconds | Invite participation |
| Conclusion panel | 75-100 words | 45 seconds | Synthesize and call to action |
Panel Templates
Title Panel
[TITLE: 5-10 words, intriguing question or statement] [SUBTITLE: 10-15 words, clarifying context] [VISUAL: Striking image establishing tone]
Introduction Panel (150-200 words)
**[HOOK]** [Compelling opening that captures attention—specific detail or dramatic statement] **[CONTEXT]** [Why this topic matters now—relevance to contemporary visitors] **[PREVIEW]** [What visitors will discover—"In this exhibit, you will encounter..."] **[FRAMEWORK]** [How exhibit is organized—"The journey begins with... and ends with..."]
Object Label (25-75 words)
**[IDENTIFICATION]** [Object name], [Culture/maker], [Date], [Location] **[SIGNIFICANCE]** [Why this object matters—1-2 sentences] **[LOOKING PROMPT]** [What to notice—"Look for the geometric pattern representing..."]
Writing Guidelines
Do's and Don'ts
| ✅ DO | ❌ DON'T |
|---|---|
| Use concrete, specific language | Use academic jargon or abstractions |
| Employ active voice | Write in passive voice |
| Address visitors directly ("you") | Use impersonal third person |
| Include human stories and details | Present only facts without emotion |
| Vary sentence length | Use monotonous sentence structure |
| Layer information (quick scan + deep read) | Force everyone through same text |
Accessibility Checklist
- ☐ High contrast (black text on light background)
- ☐ Minimum 18-point type for body text
- ☐ Panels mounted at 50-60" from floor to center
- ☐ 6th-8th grade reading level
- ☐ Large print versions available
- ☐ Audio descriptions for key content
- ☐ Multilingual labels for diverse communities
Frequently Asked Questions About Museum Text
What reading level should exhibit text target?
6th-8th grade for general audiences. Most adults read at 8th grade level or below. Plain language benefits everyone, including visitors with cognitive disabilities or non-native English speakers. Accessible writing doesn't mean simplistic content.
How many words do visitors actually read?
Research shows visitors read 20-30% of exhibit text. That's why layering matters: titles and labels for quick scanners, main panels for engaged readers. Prominent placement of key information ensures critical messages reach most visitors.
Should I use serif or sans-serif fonts?
Sans-serif fonts typically work better for museum labels. They're more readable at distance and from angles. Arial, Helvetica, and similar fonts are common choices. Test readability from typical viewing distance—not just on your computer screen.
How do I handle controversial topics?
Acknowledge multiple perspectives rather than presenting single narrative. Use content warnings for difficult material. Center affected communities' voices. Provide resources for visitors who want to process challenging content.
Can AI help write exhibit text?
Yes, AI tools like River's Exhibit Text Generator create panels following these guidelines. Input your artifacts and themes, and the AI generates appropriately-lengthed panels with hooks, context, and looking prompts. Always have subject experts review for accuracy.
Effective museum text transforms casual visits into meaningful learning. Use River's Exhibit Text Generator to create panels that honor both objects and audiences.