Glass Display Cases and Cabinets Used for Touring Exhibitions

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Touring exhibitions present a unique set of challenges for display case design. Unlike permanent museum installations, touring shows demand cabinets that are robust, secure, visually engaging, and—crucially—quick to assemble, dismantle, and transport between venues.

In 2016, Access Displays was invited to support a major UK touring exhibition linked to the globally recognised American television sitcom Friends, which originally aired between 1994 and 2004. The exhibition, known as FriendFest, recreated iconic sets from the show and allowed fans to experience the atmosphere, humour, and cultural impact of the series through immersive environments and interactive features.

Exhibition Overview: FriendFest UK Tour

FriendFest was designed as a large-scale touring exhibition that travelled between multiple UK venues. Key locations were recreated, including Monica’s apartment and the Central Perk café, allowing visitors to step directly into the world of the show.

Alongside these set builds, a wide range of original props, costumes, and memorabilia were displayed. These artefacts required secure, high-quality glass display cases that could withstand repeated installation cycles while maintaining a consistent visual standard throughout the tour.

Design Requirements for Touring Display Cases

Access Displays was responsible for manufacturing a series of bespoke glass display cases and cabinets tailored specifically for the demands of a touring exhibition. The primary requirements included:

  • Fast and straightforward assembly by the exhibition production crew
  • Durable construction suitable for repeated transport and handling
  • Clear visibility for iconic props and costumes
  • Secure enclosures to protect valuable and irreplaceable items
  • Consistency of appearance across multiple venues

Each display case was manufactured using thick toughened glass to provide strength, safety, and clarity, ensuring that objects remained protected while still fully visible to visitors.

Iconic Props and Costumes on Display

The exhibition featured a wide range of instantly recognisable items from the series, displayed within the touring cabinets.

One notable example was material linked to the episode “The One with the Holiday Armadillo”. In this episode, Ross appears in an Armadillo costume after failing to secure a traditional Christmas outfit, creating one of the show’s most memorable visual moments.

Additional glass display cabinets were used to showcase famous costumes worn by key characters, including:

  • Rachel Green, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston
  • Monica Geller, portrayed by Courteney Cox
  • Phoebe Buffay, portrayed by Lisa Kudrow

These garments required cabinets that balanced secure support with clear sightlines, allowing visitors to appreciate the design and detail of each piece.

Other iconic props included “Pat the Dog”, the white ceramic dog statue famously featured in Joey and Chandler’s apartment. The statue was reportedly gifted to Jennifer Aniston on the first day of filming and later became a beloved recurring prop within the show.

Also on display was Phoebe’s guitar, an instantly recognisable object associated with her musical performances throughout the series. Its inclusion added a strong emotional connection for fans and required careful presentation within a secure glass enclosure.

Why Bespoke Glass Cabinets Matter for Touring Exhibitions

Touring exhibitions place far greater physical demands on display cases than permanent installations. Cabinets must perform consistently despite frequent dismantling, transport, and reinstallation.

By using toughened glass and designing cases specifically for modular assembly, the cabinets used for FriendFest ensured:

  • Reliable protection of high-value props and costumes
  • Efficient setup and breakdown at each venue
  • A uniform visitor experience across the entire tour

Conclusion

The FriendFest touring exhibition demonstrates how well-designed glass display cases play a vital role in bringing popular culture exhibitions to life. Through careful material selection, robust construction, and practical assembly design, touring cabinets can successfully protect valuable artefacts while supporting immersive, high-impact visitor experiences.

For touring exhibitions, flexibility, durability, and presentation quality are not optional extras—they are essential design requirements.