Exhibition Models for Public Display

Modelcraft has constructed a variety of museum dioramas and display models for travelling shows, educational institutions and other organisations. Our detailed display models help you improve your visitors experience. We can also design and produce display models perfect for trade shows.

Modelcraft's work is currently on public display within these Australian institutions:

  • Powerhouse Museum

  • Sydney Museum

  • Hyde Park Barracks

  • Customs House in Sydney

  • The Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Public displays are often produced in a more robust fashion as they may be part of a “hands on" aspect of the display or they need to be transported as part of a travelling show. For the latter, these models can include specialist crates / road cases to keep the model secure during transit.

Modelcraft has an outstanding track record for producing high quality work that is transportable locally, interstate and internationally. For more information or a quote, email us with details of your project so we can assist you better.

Scale models and display miniatures provide the public with a fantastic, immersive means of viewing and learning from exhibits
  • Scale models for exhibits have universal appeal for audiences.

    People of all ages and backgrounds can better understand ideas, concepts and spatial relationships with the aid of scale models.

    Exhibits where models feature as part of, or, central to a display can often have higher audience satisfaction/engagement.

    As technology advances, we are always looking for new ways to combine interactive elements into our models using light, sound, movement etc.

  • Scale models and miniatures are an accessible means for visual demonstration for concepts and world events.  It doesn't matter whether the subject or topic is:

    • Buildings

    • An infrastructure project

    • Historical events

    • Terrain and landscape

    • Production or manufacturing processes

    The macro context can be wholly visualised and better understood on a micro scale.

  • Modelcraft fabricates miniatures using a wide range of materials from card and plastics to timber and metals.

    Advanced 3D printing and laser cutting complements our traditional modelmaking skills.

    If you require accurate colour representation, we are able to source or mix equivalent paints and pigments.

    Where required, we can collaborate with other industry specialists in order to deliver custom displays for our clients.

  • At Modelcraft, our model makers have a widely diverse skill set and a well-equipped studio to fabricate scale models.

    We have delivered public display models to leading Australian institutions such as the Powerhouse museum and Sydney Living museum and Australian Museum.

    If you would like to know more please get in touch, and we can discuss your requirements.

  • Modelcraft have made a wide range of models for general display outside of organisations for both government and private sector projects.

    If you require an engaging trade show exhibit we are able to design and produce scale models, from single industrial models and objects to complex, detailed realistic dioramas.

    Our durable models can be integrated with multimedia presentations. We can also provide accessories for the safe transportation of your miniature investment.

Case Study: Hyde Park Barracks Museum Diorama

Client: Sydney Living Museums

Project type: Historical museum diorama

The Hyde Park Barracks brief was to show the convict settlement of early Sydney and its impact on the indigenous community. The historical site model depicted about 500 convicts and 250 indigenous people in 1/100 scale. The process involved consultation with first nations community members to ensure the activities and poses were accurate for the indigenous miniatures. The landscape and architectural model are of a realistic diorama style and no detail was spared.

The models in question were commissioned as part of the exhibition upgrades to Hyde Park Barracks which reopened in 2020. The captivating exhibit contributed to visitor appeal and continuing popularity of the museum - while educating the public about significant historical events. You can view the historical model in more detail on this page or in person at the Hyde Park Barracks or read more about the model in this SMH article.

A few of our exhibition partners

Powerhouse Museum Logo
Australian war memorial logo
museums of history nsw logo
city of sydney logo

 Public Display Models FAQ

  • We are able to make models from a wide range of materials, including but not limited to:

    • Acrylics

    • Timber

    • Vaccum formed plastics

    • Cast resins

    • 3D printed Resins

    • Metals

    • Paints

    • Plastics

    • Laminates

    • Plaster

    • Plywood and MDF


      And more.

      We have partnered with specialists such as Axolotl when a project requires cast metal.

  • We have made a wide range of exhibition display models. Some project types include:

    We have a broad skillset and fabrication capabilities. Please get in touch if you looking for specific capabilities or requirements and we will advise you if Modelcraft are a suitable fit for your project.

  • While miniatures are engaging in and of themselves, curators often review their exhibits to ensure their visitor attendance grows.

    We are able to incorporate interactive lighting and elements and build you an interactive model. Visitors can control lights or mechanical elements to reveal a section of the model, weaving together a narrative and unveiling more information - all within the spatial context of the scale model.

    Creating a sense of progression, where the patrons' interaction triggers movement or highlights important information can make them think “What happens next?” 

    We have partnered with historians, lighting consultants and visualisation and projection mapping experts to create immersive experiences for museum visitors.

  • Modelcraft typically make sure that museum models, and in particular, travelling exhibit models are robust.

    We are able to make custom crates or containers to adequately protect your models. We can work with you to develop a custom solution to suit your model and particular needs. Should your model suffer damage on the road, we can provide repair services.

  • It varies immensely. There are a number of factors that affect the cost of a high quality museum model.

    Factors such as labour time, material cost, complexity and special requirements all influence our quotes. The best way to get an accurate quote is to provide as much relevant information as possible.

  • The following list of information is helpful for us to provide you with an accurate quote:

    • Your museum, organisation or business details

    • Type of display model: (Architectural, product display, full colour museum model, conceptual model, vehicle, etc)

    • Source material (historical records, drawings, etc)

    • Pictures or precedents of similar models if available

    • CAD drawings / 3D models if available

    • Budget (If known)

    • Timeframe and deliverables

    • Location and details of the trade exhibition (if applicable) 

    • Relevant information and drawings of your exhibition booth design (if applicable) 

Looking for a professional exhibition display model? Get in touch

Modelcraft Sydney Workshop
sydney@modelcraft.com.au

Modelcraft Melbourne Workshop
melbourne@modelcraft.com.au

Very competitive pricing and extremely fast turnaround time + excellent customer service! 5 STARS.
— Scott H. via google

Modelcraft Model Makers:

  • Modelcraft have efficient model making studios in Melbourne and Sydney.

    Modelcraft have well-equipped model making studios in Melbourne and Sydney.

    To make models efficiently we use the latest fabrication technology and software.

    High-fidelity resin 3D printing and tried and tested laser cutting complement our traditional skills.

    We collaborate with industry leaders for our interactive models and will communicate with you from design to install.

    Model making is a methodical process. But with our expert team and efficient workflow we have an industry-leading turnaround.

    For architectural models Sydney or Melbourne - you are welcome to contact us to arrange a closer inspection of our work. We can safely arrange transport of completed models Australia wide.

  • Not many model makers in Australia have been building tiny worlds for 33 years!

    We understand commissioning the right model maker for your project is important. Modelcraft has a great track record with more than 30 years of experience making Architectural Models.

    We communicate with you during the model design and fabrication process and can adapt should the brief change.

    We have hundreds of happy clients and our passion for our work is evident in our models.

  • A number of our team have experience as architects, as well as years of experience as hobbyist scale model-makers.

    These skills come invaluable when working on detailed dioramas and exhibition displays.

    Modelcraft can design and fabricate scale models for art galleries, museum display and trade shows. Our portfolio ranges from large scale models & dioramas to bespoke single objects.

    To see more of our work you can view recent projects here.

  • We understand that there are a multitude of factors that affect briefs and projects.

    Our model design, communication and processes ensure that we can adapt and alter models to suit your needs, should requirements change.

    Please get in touch should you have any questions or you are ready for a quote. We can arrange to show you some examples of our services in person.