Building and Site Requirements

There are a number of issues both new and existing museums need to consider. These include the use of space; control of the internal environment; visitor flow and comfort; building security; maintaining the integrity of any heritage features of the site or building; and staff comfort.

Use of space
  • Ideally, allow approximately one third of the space to work areas, collection storage and exhibitions.
  • If retail facilities are planned, ensure that these are visually separate from exhibitions.

Collection facilities

  • Storage areas should be internal rooms. ‘Box within a box’
  • Allocate separate storage areas for different types of materials, where possible. Paper and textiles should be stored separately from metals and wood
  • Block natural light in all museum areas where collection are stored or displayed
  • Ensure the building is well ventilated and that the air is filtered for dust.
  • Minimise temperature and Relative Humidity fluctuations
  • Plan for building security. See ‘Security’ information sheet.

Administration facilities

  • Allocate a room for administrative facilities.
  • Plan for curatorial space where staff can work without interruptions.
  • Ideally, plan a research space where the public can use the museum’s reference library, resources, and appropriate collection information.
  • If there are museum guides or attendants, ensure they have a comfortable place to sit; somewhere to store their belongings; a place to have refreshments, away from the collection.
Visitor flow and comfort
  • A single point of entry and exit for visitors.
  • If the museum site consists of more than one building, minimise the number of doors used. This is for both security and climate control purposes.
  • A group assembly area is advisable. This assists with managing school and group bookings.
  • Provide seating at strategic points throughout the museum.
  • Clean toilets, conveniently located.
  • Disabled access and safety considerations are paramount.
Heritage buildings
  • Ensure that the heritage significance of any museum building or site is maintained and interpreted. This can present some challenges. It may seem that the demands of caring for a museum collection are not that compatible with the requirements of building conservation according to the Burra Charter. This issue requires careful consideration and planning.
Future expansion
  • The most common reasons for expansion are for additional work and storage space, and to house large machinery. Allow for expansion needs in any new building, if possible.
  • Appropriate housing of machinery should protect against further deterioration (preventive conservation principles apply). This should, at the least, include a level, sealed floor and walls that provide protection from the elements. Allow space for interpretation of the machinery.
  • Take into account the potential for archaeological research when planning any new buildings.
References and further reading:

Museums Australia Inc (NSW). Museum Methods; A Practical Guide for Managing Small Museums. Section 1.2 Building and site requirements

 Museums and Galleries Foundation of NSW