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CASE STUDY

Mayo Clinic Transparent man 

Museum Display

Mayo Clinic Logo

Executive Summary

When Mayo Clinic entrusted NPARALLEL + Atomic Props with one of its most historically significant artifacts, the mission was clear: create a display that honored legacy, upheld museum-quality standards, and reflected the importance of the piece it supports. 

The Transparent Man—one of only three in the world—was originally created in 1933 for the Chicago World’s Fair. While its educational value remained undeniable, its existing display no longer reflected its significance. Over the course of nine months, our team collaborated closely with Mayo Clinic to design and fabricate a refined, timeless display that respects history while elevating presentation. 

Mayo Clinic Transparent Man

Business Challenge

Mayo Clinic approached NPARALLEL + Atomic Props with a rare and meaningful opportunity: reimagine the display for the Transparent Man, an irreplaceable medical teaching model with deep historical and educational importance. 

For years, the artifact lived on a basic display base within Mayo Clinic’s educational library in Rochester. While functional, the solution no longer aligned with the stature, legacy, or museum-level  care  the piece  required. 

The challenge was multifaceted. The new display needed to meet strict aesthetic and material requirements, achieve museum-quality fit and finish, and honor the artifact without overshadowing it. This was not a project about spectacle. It was about restraint, precision, and respect. 

Goals & Objectives

  • Honor the historical and educational significance of the Transparent Man
  • Design a museum-quality display with elevated fit and finish
  • Meet specific aesthetic and material requirements set by Mayo Clinic
  • Create a timeless presentation that complements, not competes with, the artifact
  • Deliver a solution worthy of one of Mayo Clinic’s most special collections

Our Solution

A Thoughtful, Collaborative Process

This project unfolded deliberately over nine months, beginning with early creative concepts presented in October of the previous year. Through multiple site tours, in-depth conversations, and rounds of concept refinement, our team worked in close partnership with Mayo Clinic to fully understand the artifact, its history, and the expectations for its future home. 

Unlike many experiential projects, this build required restraint over boldness. Every design decision was made with intention, ensuring the display enhanced the experience without drawing attention away from the Transparent Man itself. 

Museum-Grade Craftsmanship

Our team prioritized museum-quality fit and finish at every stage of fabrication. Carefully curated materials, precise detailing, and a refined structural approach ensured the final display felt timeless and appropriate for a piece of this stature. 

The result is a display that quietly elevates the artifact—supporting education, storytelling, and preservation without unnecessary embellishment. 

Results

The completed display provides a respectful, permanent home for an irreplaceable piece of medical history.  Mayo Clinic unveiled the installation during its annual Heritage Days celebration, marking a new chapter for the Transparent Man and reaffirming its role in education and institutional storytelling. 

  • Delivered a museum-quality display tailored to a historically significant artifact
  • Balanced elevated design with restraint and historical reverence
  • Supported Mayo Clinic’s educational mission through thoughtful presentation
  • Reinforced trust through precision, collaboration, and craftsmanship
  • Demonstrated that meaningful experiences don’t need to be loud to be powerful

Ready To Honor What Matters Most?

Not every project calls for spectacle. Some demand care, collaboration, and a deep respect for legacy. 

When the work requires precision, intention, and an unwavering commitment to quality, NPARALLEL + Atomic Props is trusted to deliver. 

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