Ralph Applebaum Associates and Economics Research Associates are being retained to undertake feasibility studies, to complete architectural plans and to develop the Museum’s narrative. Both are recognized as leaders in their fields.

Applebaum Associates is one of the world’s most renowned museum planners and has won virtually every major award for museum design. The United States Holocaust Museum in Washington as well as the Rose Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History in New York are just a sampling of their work.

Economics Research Associates brings unparalleled experience in helping museums reach sound decisions about the visitor experiences, programs, finances, achievable revenue streams, marketing and operations. Among other projects, ERA conducted the feasibility studies for the Getty Museum and is now working on New York State’s Rivers and Estuary Center.

Having this high degree of expertise associated with The Cold War/Peace Museum will establish national and international credibility for the project.

The first phase of Economic Research Associate’s work will focus on addressing the key question of “Who will come to The Cold War/Peace Museum?” Based on their synthesis of research and analysis, ERA will prepare estimates of attendance numbers for The Cold War/Peace Museum and initial recommendations on best programming practices. The second phase will determine how to serve our audience. This phase will provide information with regard to programming and operational decisions. The third phase will address the question “How can The Cold War/Peace Museum draw audiences to the SAGE building?”

The visitor will encounter a variety of approaches, from active, hands on experiences, including high and low tech interactive installations, to a more passive absorption of display materials. It is imperative that the museum be staffed in such a way as to enable each visitor to have a significant and rewarding exchange with personnel. The museum must be sensitive to the varying political attitudes of visitors as well as to their prior knowledge.

See Also:  Program Ideas and Sample Features

The Cold War Institute, to be affiliated with the museum, will be a consortium of educational and scholarly institutions. The Cold War Institute will make it possible for these schools to collaborate on the presentation of scholarly conferences, seminars, lecture programs and course offerings examining the Cold War Period.

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