University of MN Bell Museum
LOCATION ◦ ST PAUL MN
Planetary Sculpture Fabrication, Fire-Rated Materials & Celestial Exhibit Integration
Evergreen Creative was commissioned by a museum design firm to fabricate a series of large-scale planetary sculptures for the Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota. Installed as part of the “Life in the Universe” exhibit, the collection includes two known planets, one imagined exoplanet, and a realistic lunar sphere—all suspended above visitors in a cosmic visual display.
This project demanded more than visual fidelity. The sculptures needed to meet strict structural engineering and fire-safety requirements, all while capturing the scientific accuracy and wonder central to the museum’s storytelling.
Key fabrication components included:
Large-Scale Foam Spheres with Internal Reinforcement
Each celestial body was constructed from lightweight foam over engineered internal supports, allowing for overhead suspension without compromising safety or stability.Fire-Rated Finishes for Public Exhibit Compliance
All materials and coatings met class-one fire rating standards, ensuring compliance with museum regulations while maintaining finish quality.Hand-Painted Planetary Surfaces Based on NASA Imagery
Our artists used detailed research and NASA-supplied visuals to paint each sphere by hand, capturing the clouds of Earth, surface marbling of exoplanets, and moon craters with atmospheric depth.Custom Hanging & Rigging Integration
Each planet was engineered to be installed from above using secure, load-rated rigging systems that integrated invisibly into the exhibit space.
Evergreen Creative worked closely with the museum’s design team throughout the process—balancing aesthetics, authenticity, and code compliance. From research and engineering to fabrication and paint, every step was built on collaboration and accuracy.
Already known for our large-scale spherical work, this project elevated our reputation even further—earning us a new nickname: the “planet people.” Whether real or imagined, no planet is out of reach.
