In collaboration with Drexel’s Lenfest Center for Cultural Partnerships, Metcalfe designed a large, interactive exhibit to house more than 600 objects encompassing 350 years of Philadelphia’s diverse history.  

This eclectic collection of objects and memorabilia highlights the incredible breadth and depth of the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University (formerly displayed at the Philadelphia History Museum). Metcalfe designed the exhibit to pay homage to the Atwater Kent’s nickname as “Philadelphia’s attic”.

Divided into a series of thematic sections, “Philadelphia Revealed: Unpacking the Attic” showcases objects from America’s Bicentennial, civil rights movements, and Philly’s history as a city of manufacturing and medicine, as well as toys, clothes, and sports memorabilia. 

Along with 600+ artifacts and the corresponding signage, the exhibit includes narrative panels and hundreds more historical images as well as multimedia and hands-on elements (including an 19th century radio with historic audio and a QR code that lets visitors “try on” hats from different eras).

The exhibit is displayed at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts as one portion of a larger campaign that also incorporated a podcast, public programs, and an interactive game, ultimately providing a platform for people to share their stories of Philadelphia’s history.