Esillepanon

Esillepanon is the Finnish term for display arrangement or exhibition layout. It refers to the planning and execution of how objects are presented in a space, such as a museum gallery, an exhibition hall, or a retail display. Esillepanon encompasses decisions about where objects are placed, how they are mounted or presented in cases or on plinths, the lighting and color palette, accompanying text panels, and the overall narrative or interpretive framework. The goal is to facilitate comprehension, guide viewer movement, protect artifacts, and enhance aesthetic engagement.

Key elements include spatial design, lighting design, object mounting, display furniture, labeling and wall text, signage and wayfinding, and accessibility considerations. Conservation and security constraints influence choice of display methods and materials. Ethical aspects involve accurate presentation, respect for provenance, and inclusive interpretation.

The process typically starts with a curatorial concept or educational objective, followed by design development, technical planning, fabrication, installation, and documentation. Collaboration is common across disciplines, including curators, conservators, architects, designers, and technicians. After the exhibition, de-installation and re-use of components are considered for sustainability.

Esillepanon is a central concept in museology and exhibition design and is also applied in contemporary art installations and retail environments. While it shares fundamentals with interior design and graphic design, esillepanon prioritizes the interpretation, preservation, and public experience of objects within a space.