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apollo when we went to the moon logo graphic for website, square, with astronaut standing imposingly to the left of the text

Presenting Partner:
 U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Huntsville, Alabama, USA

Project Type:

Traveling Exhibition

Services:
Development & Design:

Content & Narrative Development, Multimedia Design & Interactive Development, Concetl Design & Exhibition Renders, Script & Label Writing, Schematic & Full-Detail Designs, Branding & Graphic Design

Production & Fabrication:
Exhibition Conversion & Fabrication, Digital Media & Interactive Production, Interactive Fabrication,  Artifact Acquisition & Management, Custom Crate Design & Production, A/V Design & Integration, Construction Drawings, Tour Documentation

Consultation & Licensing:

Partnership Development, Sales & Marketing, Client Management & Venue Booking, Financial Modeling & Budget Forecasting, Merchandise & Sponsorships, IP & Brand Management, Contract Negotiation

Tour Management & Operations:

Tour Prep & Venue Coordination, Project Management, Freight & Logistics, Installation & Deinstallation Management, Host Kits, Floor Planning,  Staff Training & Tech Support

 

Overview:

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center partnered with Flying Fish to create Apollo: When We Went to the Moon, an immersive traveling exhibition. While the U.S. Space & Rocket Center provided historical content and artifacts, Flying Fish developed and produced every other aspect of the exhibition, transforming historical storytelling into an interactive and visually stunning visitor experience.

Exploring the Apollo program's cultural, technological, and political impact, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through key themes such as the Cold War, the Space Race, the Apollo 11 mission, and humanity’s first steps on the Moon.

Scope:
Development & Design:

Flying Fish developed the exhibition’s immersive narrative, integrating historical artifacts, multimedia, and interactive storytelling to engage visitors of all ages. Conceptual designs and renders shaped thematic environments that recreated key moments of the Space Race. Detailed script and label writing provided accessible, engaging content that complemented the exhibition’s visual storytelling. Schematic and full-detail designs guided every aspect of fabrication and installation, ensuring a cohesive and polished experience across all venues. Branding and graphic design tied the exhibition’s identity together through signage, promotional materials, and graphic panels, reinforcing the ambition and legacy of the Apollo program.

Production & Fabrication:

Flying Fish brought the exhibition to life by fabricating high-quality, durable exhibit elements designed to withstand the rigors of a global tour. From custom-built set pieces and scenic elements to dynamic interactive displays, every detail was carefully crafted to immerse visitors in the Apollo era. The exhibition featured hands-on experiences like a virtual moonwalk and an Apollo 11 launch simulation. Flying Fish also handled artifact acquisition and preservation, ensuring the safe transport and display of Apollo suits, Von Braun’s drafting set, a lunar meteorite, and Soviet space suits. Custom-engineered, climate-controlled crates protected these invaluable artifacts during transit. The exhibition incorporated advanced audiovisual systems, including 360-degree projection technology and touchable interactive displays to enhance visitor engagement. Construction drawings and documentation provided venues with precise guidelines for installation and adaptation.

Consultation & Licensing:

Flying Fish developed a strategic licensing program to maximize the exhibition’s reach and financial sustainability. Through targeted sales and marketing efforts, we secured venue bookings and expanded audience engagement. Financial modeling and budget forecasting ensured the tour remained profitable, while brand management, sponsorships, and merchandise development generated additional revenue.

Tour Management & Operations:

Flying Fish managed every aspect of the exhibition’s international tour, coordinating freight, logistics, and venue operations to maintain a smooth and efficient travel schedule. A major logistical highlight included the transportation and installation of a 40-foot rocket that traveled with the exhibition. Our project management team oversaw scheduling, quality control, and on-site execution, ensuring a high-quality experience at each venue. Installation and deinstallation teams handled setup and breakdown, while host venue staff received comprehensive training to operate interactive elements and maintain an engaging visitor experience.

Impact:
Engaged Audiences:

The exhibition attracted space enthusiasts, families, and school groups, offering an interactive blend of education and entertainment that ignited curiosity about space exploration.

Global Reach:

Under Flying Fish’s management, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon expanded the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s reach, bringing the Apollo legacy to museums and science centers worldwide.

Sustainable Revenue:

The exhibition created a new revenue stream for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center through licensing agreements, sponsorships, and branded merchandise sales.

Cultural Legacy:

By delivering an innovative and immersive experience, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon reinforced Flying Fish’s reputation as a leader in traveling exhibitions while strengthening the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s position as a premier institution in space exploration education.

With a powerful combination of storytelling, interactive experiences, and world-class tour management, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon continues to educate and inspire visitors around the globe. Flying Fish’s expertise in exhibition development, fabrication, and logistics transformed a historical milestone into an unforgettable museum experience, ensuring the Apollo legacy reaches future generations.

Gallery:
OperationsConsultationDesignDevelopmentFabricationProductionTour ManagementTraveling Exhibition
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