Cyclorama: The Big Picture

Client: Atlanta History Center
Scope: Exhibit Design

Atlanta History Center uses this restored work of art and entertainment, and the history of the painting itself, as a tool to talk about the ‘big picture.’ How can perceptions, memory and interpretations be shaped, or mis-shaped, by a combination of art and entertainment, myth and memory, cultural context, and current events during different eras?

Atlanta History Center display of rare artifacts from the Civil War

Through exhibitions, rare artifacts, historic images, immersive technology, digital resources, videos, and museum theatre, visitors are encouraged to look critically at a range of Civil War imagery and consider how images and entertainment can shape how we see history.

Close up of digital Atlanta History display, with an interactive map to explore the history of the area
Large photograph of men standing on top of wooden scaffolding, in front of the Battle of Atlanta

Photography, art, movies, and media all provoke emotions, and have the ability to produce biased, or incomplete ideas about historical events. They do not always provide the full perspective of events and people. What stories are not shown? What voices are not heard? And why?

Large painting of a battle during the civil war, with sculptures of soldiers fighting in the foreground between a large replica of a railroad tracks
Museum exhibit of civil war era rifles
Large room full of multiple history displays at the Atlanta History Center, designed by Shibui Design
Display of Election poster for Abraham Lincoln and history of the Civil War in Georgia at the Atlanta History Center, designed by Shibui Design
Atlanta History Center display of Civil War era memorabilia, as designed by Shibui Design
Large installation process of Civil War era mural, following the designs of Shibui Design
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