Audubon Insectarium
The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is a unique museum located in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. It is part of the Audubon Nature Institute, a collection of museums and parks dedicated to preserving and showcasing natural history and wildlife. The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is the largest free-standing museum in the United States that is solely dedicated to insects.
DetaiLED™ was asked to install a unique, custom angled display in the open atrium of the museum. The 28 ft. 3.9mm indoor display is mounted approximately 16 - 45 feet above the ground, making it about eye-level with a 2nd balcony walkway, overlooking the Mississippi River.
DetaiLED™ is known for tackling odd angles and shapes, however this project also presented a second challenge, which is the open space concept and height placement of the display. The total weight of the display is 2500 lbs, situated at a height of 16ft above ground level, ending approximately 45ft above ground.
The angled display not only had to be built to fit the space but also had to be installed with a snorkel lift to reach the designated height. Special certifications for aerial lifts were required in order to install this project.
Additionally, DetaiLED™ had to produce a thin, lightweight product to fit within the pre-established construction of the museum and maintain structural security and integrity.
Finally, being installed in an atrium presented the challenge of high ambient lighting conditions, which if not compensated for will create a washed out effect on the display, negating brilliant colors and high contrasts.
DetaiLED™ technicians are all OSHA 30 certified, plus have additional certifications and training for more versatility in installations. The engineering team developed the project specs using their DTLD 3.9mm SuperSlim series product.
Our installation team was able to operate the necessary equipment and safely install the product without compromising the content or design. DetaiLED™ used lightweight panels to keep the display as light as possible, while working with building contractors to establish a secure base for the cabinets. Our expert technicians made sure each panel was precisely aligned, despite obstructions from construction in the way.
To compensate for the high amount of natural light that would interfere with the display, DetaiLED™ upgraded the brightness of their product from 1000 nits (standard indoor) to 3000 nits. The increase in brightness competes with the direct light that floods the atrium space and gives the display a stunning visual effect.
The end result of the project is a beautiful LED display that can be seen in the central common atrium of the museum. Visitors and guests are able to view the display either from the ground floor as they enter the Atrium or from the 2nd floor walkway along with a view of the Mississippi River through the floor-to-ceiling window structure.
Carved out along a uniquely designed angled wall, the installation displays pictures and fun facts about insects and more located within the museum. It is located within the Atrium which serves as a central and visually striking area within the museum. The LED Display adds an element of motion to the room that helps create an atmosphere that mimics environments where insects thrive.
