Peter Quinlan has worked in the museum sector for over 30 years, creating exhibits for audiences around the US.
He has been with KidZibits since 2002 and previously worked as project production manager at the Science Museum of Minnesota from 1997 to 2000, and as production lead at Minnesota Children’s Museum from 1993 to 1197. Quinlan has also worked as a freelance designer and illustrator for Quinlan & Sons Inc. since 1981.
During this time, he has designed a range of exhibits that are engaging and that also stand the test of time. He has a distinctive design style, building on his background in carpentry and animation, and over the past three decades has influenced a number of new exhibit designers and fabricators.
One nomination reads: “No one in the Midwest museum world has entertained and educated more children than Peter Quinlan. He treats every project with the same amount of care and respect, be it a single interactive or whole gallery, major science centre or small-town children’s museum.”
In his mission to create long-lasting, safe and fun exhibits, he champions prototyping, testing and collaborating across different teams, in order to spot potential issues.
KidZibits has worked on a number of projects for popular museums, including Minnesota Children’s Museum, South California Children’s Museum and Discovery Depot Children’s Museum. The company is formed of a team of artists, designers, educators and engineers. It creates engaging learning environments, from traditional exhibits to hands-on, interactive displays.
For instance, in KidZibits collaboration with Discovery Depot in Galesburg, Illinois, in 2018, it was part of a team that oversaw the design, fabrication, and installation of 2,000 square feet of new exhibits on the second floor. This includes the addition of a climber, water exhibits, projection-based interactive based interactive programs, as well as a toddler exhibit area.