SA Maritime Museum- Living in Port

Posted Wednesday, 17 September

A redevelopment of one of the permanent gallery spaces in the South Australian Maritime Museum, the Living in Port exhibition provides insights into the stories of living and working in the Port. From industry to domestic life, the material displayed illustrates a cross section of social, cultural, and spiritual practice.

Mulloway provided the overall design and layout of the space, joinery design, graphics and lighting design. Drawing on the exhibition material itself, the design reflects the often ‘gritty’ nature of life in port. The packing crate formply and hoop pine boxes are structured to follow the interpretive framework and set such that the objects and images are the immediate visual focus. Showcases use an innovative opening system allowing clear access to the interiors, and employ a stylised industrial aesthetic.

The ambient light levels have been intentionally lowered to allow the object cases to provide the key points, with floor level highlights and module labels stencilled on the floor. The floor itself has been painted in black japan, again allowing it to recede and the object cases to dominate.