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  • 1.  Question about scent diffusers in gallery spaces

    Posted 02-09-2024 14:11

    Hi - Has anyone had to deal with the issue of scent diffusers installed in a gallery space?  There has been a request to add them to an exhibition to contribute to an ambience for viewing the art.  Collections staff are concerned about possible deposition of the oil based perfume and Public Safety staff are concerned about allergies, asthma, and other potential health issues.  If anyone can point to a study or share anecdotal stories, it would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

     

    Lisa Bruno
    Carol Lee Shen Chief Conservator
    Brooklyn Museum
    200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238-6052
    P 718-501-6562

    brooklynmuseum.org
    Exhibitions | Membership | Shop |
    Follow @brooklynmuseum



  • 2.  RE: Question about scent diffusers in gallery spaces

    Posted 02-12-2024 07:56
    As someone who is really allergic to a lot of those room fragrances, I'd beg you not to – it would destroy my ability to enjoy the exhibit, and remember that those room fragrances rarely stay in the gallery where you put them (especially if you have an older HVAC system that circulates air among the galleries).  Instead, how about smell boxes, so that people can pick them up and sniff them.  This is one company that will do custom made "aroma cubes" for exhibits:  Aroma Cube Pack of 8 - Make Your Own - AromaPrime (Not an endorsement, just an example – there are other places you can get them, and a number of places have directions online).
    With over 400 Speciality Aromas to Choose from, AromaPrime is the Leading UK Company in Scent Marketing! Enhance your Visitors Sensory Experiences with High Quality Scents.
    aromaprime.com
    Emily

    Emily A. Murphy, Ph.D. 
    Curator
    Salem Maritime National Historic Site
    Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
    160 Derby Street
    Salem, MA 01970
    Cell: 781-248-6424

    "The greatest obstacle to being heroic is the doubt 
    whether one may not be going to prove one's self a fool; 
    the truest heroism is to resist the doubt; 
    and the profoundest wisdom, to know when it 
    ought to be resisted, and when it be obeyed."
    --Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Blithedale Romance (1852)





  • 3.  RE: Question about scent diffusers in gallery spaces

    Posted 02-12-2024 11:59

    Thanks you all for these responses.  Helpful to know it is not a unique issue.

     

    Lisa Bruno
    Carol Lee Shen Chief Conservator
    Brooklyn Museum
    200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238-6052
    P 718-501-6562

    brooklynmuseum.org
    Exhibitions | Membership | Shop |
    Follow @brooklynmuseum