Best Practices for Collections Storage & Facility Planning

Museums today face increasing pressure to safeguard growing collections while meeting public demand for accessible, visible storage. This presentation addresses current challenges and industry trends, offering practical strategies for designing storage environments that balance preservation, efficiency, and engagement. Attendees will explore real-world examples of how thoughtful space planning can resolve structural and risk management concerns, and discover how the integration of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) can advance sustainability goals and contribute to LEED® certification.

This course qualifies for 1 AIA or IDCEC LU|HSW credit.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore how storage-integrated interior architecture can adapt to evolving program needs while promoting user safety, code compliance, and ease of use.
• Gain practical knowledge to specify museum storage solutions that adhere to best practices for artifact preservation, optimize available space, and streamline workflows.
• Learn to design visible collections storage that harmonizes with lighting, ventilation, and disaster mitigation systems to protect both staff and collections.
• Understand how high-density and compact storage systems contribute to energy efficiency and sustainable design initiatives, supporting LEED certification goals.

Professional Credit:
This course qualifies for 1 AIA or IDCEC LU|HSW Credit