The Oesterreichische Nationalbank operates a money museum at its location in Vienna, which, in addition to its permanent exhibition, also presents special exhibitions that change every year. WGA ZT GmbH, together with Holzer Kobler Architekturen GmbH, is responsible for the services in the fields of exhibition design and production as well as graphics.
After the two exhibitions that have already been organised, “FUNNY MONEY. Money in Caricature” and “EURO CASH – 20 Years of Euro Banknotes and Coins”, another exhibition is now being organised. It is called “IN GOD WE TRUST. Divine Money”.
This time the design team has yet again developed a plan for the existing display cases in terms of design and furnishings as well as the catalogue and folder. Visitors can also look forward to another interactive area.
The exhibition was set up in July 2023 and visitors have been able to visit the special exhibition since 1st August.
It has been obvious that money and the divine go well together since the history of money began. As an example, the phrase “In God We Trust” can still be found on dollar coins and notes. Money has also played a major role in religious rituals and the exhibition offers an interesting insight into the topic of offerings and grave goods as well as Christianity and the worlds of the gods.
The exhibits are displayed on thin lacquered metal rods, with holders matching the objects attached to the ends of these rods. Special care has been taken to ensure that the holders are as inconspicuous as possible and that the objects are presented in the best possible way. The glass used in the display cases is covered with foil that have cut-outs behind which the exhibits can be seen.
The diffuse edges of these cut-outs with their flowing transitions lend the exhibited objects an aura of the sublime and special.