A well-designed military exhibit inspires and connects us to the human side of service.
Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For exhibit designers and military museum curators, it’s also a reminder of the privilege of helping tell their stories. Designing a military exhibit isn’t just about presenting history. It’s also about honoring lives and creating experiences that stay with visitors long after they leave. Whether you’re planning a permanent installation, a temporary exhibit, or a lobby display for a government or military organization, the goal is the same: to inform, inspire, and pay tribute.
At Adler Display, we’ve had the honor of working on many military-themed projects. From branding and materials selection to storytelling and spatial planning, here are some key elements to consider when designing a military exhibit that resonates.
1. Focus on people.
At the end of the day, military exhibits are human stories. Whether you’re telling the tale of a specific unit, commemorating a historic battle, or spotlighting the evolution of military technology, your audience will connect most deeply with personal narratives. Photos, letters, uniforms, and oral histories bring exhibits to life and remind us that behind every artifact is a person who served with courage and commitment. When possible, collaborate directly with veterans and their families to ensure their voices and experiences are reflected accurately and respectfully.
2. Set the right tone.
Tone matters, especially when dealing with emotional or sensitive subject matter. Strong exhibit branding helps set expectations, guide the visitor journey, and create a cohesive experience from start to finish. Adler Display helps clients develop exhibit branding that aligns with their goals and audiences. That might include:
- A unified color palette and typeface reflecting the military branch or historical period
- Clear, thoughtful headlines and signage
- Hierarchies of information to keep the experience intuitive and accessible
Well-executed branding blends seamlessly with the story, adding depth rather than distraction.
3. Choose materials with meaning.
The materials you select can say just as much as the words on the wall. Metals, woods, textures, and finishes all contribute to the atmosphere and can carry deep symbolism.
For instance, in our transformational work with the U.S. Army Command Headquarters, we used:
- Metal laminates for a sleek, contemporary look that felt strong and professional
- Dimensional lettering to add depth and visual impact
- Acrylic photo panels that preserved high-quality images and honored service members with clarity and care
The result was attractive as well as meaningful and mission-aligned.
4. Incorporate hands-on engagement.
While digital technology often gets the spotlight, analog interactivity can be just as powerful—and more appropriate in many military exhibits. Tactile design elements help create a personal connection and encourage deeper exploration.
Consider features like:
- Flip panels that reveal maps, artifacts, or service medals
- Rotating displays that highlight different stories or units
- Textured surfaces or embossed lettering for a more immersive feel
These hands-on elements give visitors a physical connection to the exhibit and invite them to slow down and engage more thoughtfully with the content.
5. Balance education with reflection.
A compelling military exhibit doesn’t just inform—it also sparks emotion. Areas for quiet contemplation and memorial walls can elevate the experience and foster personal connection. For example, in one recent project, a Fallen Soldiers Memorial Wall became the emotional heart of the space. Framed by warm wood slats and softly lit for reverence, it created a powerful focal point among a larger installation that honored lives lost and underscored the meaning of the exhibit.
6. Design for longevity.
Military exhibits often need to stand the test of time, both in construction and message. That’s why it’s critical to use durable, high-quality materials and timeless design strategies that allow for updates or expansion in the future. At Adler Display, we provide turnkey solutions—from concept to fabrication to installation—ensuring each display is not only visually compelling but built to last in visible, high-traffic environments.
Designing a military exhibit is a meaningful opportunity to preserve legacies, foster connection, and engage new generations. When done right, these exhibits extend beyond the educational to become places of remembrance and pride.
If you’re planning a military-themed display, Adler Display is here to help. With decades of experience and a passion for honoring service, we’ll bring your vision to life with creativity, craftsmanship, and care. Contact us today to get started!
About Adler Display: For over 85 years, Adler Display has been one of the best-kept secrets behind so many businesses looking their best. Designing and producing a wide variety of high-quality recognition displays, trade show displays, signage, and exhibits, lobby and corporate interiors, and historical timelines, Adler’s expert team includes consultants, designers, project managers, and fabricators. Working from a 17,000-square-foot facility in Baltimore that includes a precision woodworking shop, Adler Display handles printing, construction, and finishing on site. Learn how to achieve your imaging goals and make your business look amazing at www.AdlerDisplay.com.