Ugly Studios Ltd | Mouse House – Early Years Gallery

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Brief

The Mouse House was conceived as a gallery for families with children under five that would act as a jumping off point for exploring of the Great North Museum: Hancock. Ugly Studios, working with Unusual Projects, were tasked with designing a complete revision and refit for the gallery on a very small budget.

Idea

The tight budget meant that we needed a ‘big idea’. Our idea was to fill the walls with graphics that visualise a slice through the museum. Two friendly mouse characters, Albany and Mary, act as guides telling a story of travelling through the museum on a journey of discovery. They show visitors their favourite bits, and encourage them to go to the various galleries to find out more.

Result

The feedback from visitors has been extremely positive. Families highlighting the gallery as a wonderfully engaging space for young children, full of hands-on activities that made learning genuinely fun. Reviews said, The Mouse House was brilliant, captivating little ones and encouraging them to explore. A fantastic way to introduce young children to the museum; educational, creative, playful and beautifully put together.

What we did

Concepts
3D Design
Exhibition Design
Illustration
Graphic Design
Physical Interactives

Ugly Studios’ knowledge, skills and experience helped us realise a new and vibrant identity for the Great North Museum's under 5's Gallery, the Mouse House - reimagining the space to give our very youngest visitors the best cultural experience we could provide. It was a delight working with the team, and we really enjoyed the creative and flexible conversations helping us challenge ourselves and push our resources as far as possible.
Adam Goldwater - Learning, Engagement & Research Manager, Great North Museum: Hancock

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Design and Interpretation for Heritage and Culture, Education and Leisure

Brief

Idea

Result

What we did

Mouse House – Early Years Gallery

Design and Interpretation for
Heritage and Culture, Education and Leisure