Designers for the Wyoming State Capitol exhibits told the Capital Interpretive Exhibits and Refining Subcommittee on Aug. 28 that they have moved away from the originally planned large bronze signs and are installing smaller, more readable panels mounted on existing Julius Bloom bases instead.
The change was described as a practical solution to a recurring installation problem. A design staff member said the larger bronze panels were “too heavy” to attach securely without visible fasteners and that the smaller panels will present a smaller footprint and be more readable for visitors who approach signs closely.
The subcommittee heard that one sign location remains temporary while staff finalize a method to securely attach the heavy bronze panels; staff said there is a possible reuse path for the existing heavy bases elsewhere in the State Museum or for future exhibit needs. The change affects one location in the Capitol extension, two locations in the garden level and one location at the south entrance of the first level.
Members also discussed the garden-level “stage vault” exhibit, which staff said has become so popular that visitors now open many of the vault doors. A design representative said this has created confusion underground and staff plan to add more-visible identification — similar to lettering above doors — to help visitors locate the specific vaults. The subcommittee was told the three garden-level exhibit groupings will be named Foundations of Progress, Portraits of History and Treasures of the Past to help docents and visitors orient themselves.
No formal motion or vote was taken. Staff described the signage change and the vault-labeling work as ongoing installations; they said the revised, smaller signs are proceeding while fabrication and attachment methods for the heavier bronze panels remain under evaluation.
Members asked a few practical questions (including an informal remark about using JB Weld), and design staff said they will reuse bases where feasible and return with install details in a future update.