The Department of Museum Development encompasses interior design, execution of display showcases, storage areas, gallery lighting, as well as museum lighting and signage. We also handle the design, fabrication, and procurement of products required for display and storage. We have facilities that enable us to provide you with quality work in the overall design of museums and galleries, including showcases, storage solutions, and their execution by our trained staff. Additionally, we offer product suggestions for the display of artifacts and, in some cases, even provide manufacturing services. Our expertise extends to executing technically advanced lighting systems and providing consultancy for sourcing and procurement, as well as display accessories such as fixtures, acrylic blocks, wooden works, and hanging systems, to ensure the best results.
Museum Gallery
The purpose of museums is to collect, preserve, interpret, and display objects of artistic, cultural, or scientific significance for the study and education of the public.
“Enter the museum gallery and step into a world of wonder.”
A museum gallery is a space within a museum used to display artwork or other objects of cultural or historical significance. Museum galleries can vary in size and layout, but they typically consist of large, open spaces designed to showcase a variety of objects and artifacts. Many museum galleries are organized thematically or chronologically and may incorporate interactive exhibits or educational materials to enhance visitors’ understanding of the displayed objects.
Some museum galleries are dedicated to specific artists, cultures, or time periods, while others feature a diverse range of objects and themes. Overall, museum galleries play a vital role in the museum experience by allowing visitors to view and learn about a wide array of objects and artifacts that are not accessible to the general public elsewhere.
Showcases
In most museums, showcases are the most important pieces of equipment, serving two vital purposes: protecting objects and presenting them to visitors. They full-fill four primary functions:
- Protecting the objects inside from theft and damage.
- Providing a micro-climate to maintain constant levels of relative humidity, temperature, and controlled light. Shielding the objects inside from pollution, dust, and insects.
- Providing a ‘theatre stage’ for exhibiting and interpreting objects.
Showcases in museums can take various forms, such as freestanding, wall-mounted, or pedestal mounted, depending on the size, shape, and layout of the displayed objects and the museum gallery itself. Additionally, museum showcases are often secured or locked to prevent theft or damage to the exhibited objects.
Storage
Storage is a crucial component of any museum, providing dedicated space for storing objects, archival items, and specimens. These storage units are purposefully designed to offer utmost protection to the museum’s collections. Museum storage units play a vital role in ensuring proper storage and preservation of valuable items within the museum.
“Museum storage: where the past is carefully preserved for future generations.”
It serves as a storage method for the museum’s objects, archival items, and specimens. The design and construction of storage units prioritize maximum protection for the museum’s collections. These specialized storage units are instrumental in facilitating the proper storage and preservation of precious items within the museum.
Specialized Storage:
1. Fire Resistance Storage System (FRSS):
Purpose:
- Designed to protect art objects from fire hazards.
- Provides a controlled environment to minimize damage to valuable artifacts in case of a fire.
- Fire-resistant construction materials.
- May include fireproof insulation and sealing mechanisms.
- Often equipped with fire suppression systems like sprinklers
Application:
- Crucial for storing art objects that need extra protection against fire damage.
2. Compactors with Fumigation Chambers:
Purpose:
- Primarily used for preserving art objects by preventing pest infestations.
- Allows for fumigation to control and eliminate pests affecting valuable artifacts.
- Compactors are storage units that can be compressed or expanded to maximize space.
- Fumigation chambers are sealed spaces where fumigants are applied to eliminate pests.
- Ideal for long-term storage of art objects where pest control is essential to prevent damage.
3. Fire Resistance Compactor:
Purpose:
- Combines features of fire-resistant storage with the space-saving benefits of compactors, making it suitable for art objects.
- Provides both fire protection and efficient space utilization for valuable artifacts.
- Incorporates fire-resistant materials in a compact storage system.
- May have a fire suppression system and other safety features.
4. Cabinets:
Purpose:
- Provides organized and secure storage for smaller art objects.
- Facilitates easy access and cataloging of valuable artifacts.
Features:
- Multiple drawers with adjustable compartments.
- Often made with materials that prevent damage to art objects.
- Ideal for museums and collections with a large number of smaller art objects that need individual storage.
5. Modular Heavy-Duty Racks:
Purpose:
- Designed for storing larger and heavier art objects.
- Maximizes vertical space to accommodate various-sized valuable artifacts.
Features:
- Robust construction to support heavy loads.
- Configurable and adaptable to different storage needs.
6. Double Decker Mezzanine Floor:
Purpose:
- Utilizes vertical space efficiently to increase storage capacity for art objects.
- Creates additional levels for storing valuable art objects.
Features:
- Adds a secondary level or platform within the storage facility.
- Accessible via stairs or a mezzanine lift.
Lighting System
We believe in providing a proper lighting design, customized to meet your specific requirements. Our lighting design includes three types of lighting:
- Showcase
- lighting Gallery
- Building lighting
Light in showcases
Many showcases suffer from inadequate lighting. It is essential that lighting is positioned outside the showcase itself and instead fixed in a well-ventilated light box to prevent heat buildup. A highly effective option, particularly for showcases, is the use of LED lights. These provide a precise beam of light without emitting heat.
Gallery lighting
Proper lighting can greatly enhance the museum experience. The way we perceive and understand an object is significantly influenced by the quality of light falling upon it. Ideally, every display should have lighting designed by a specialist or a lighting consultant. Although this is not always feasible, good lighting can truly transform an object, improving its visibility and giving it a refreshed appearance.
Harnessing natural light as a source for exhibits offers distinct advantages, including its cost effectiveness, natural quality, and ability to create diverse impressions and a connection with the outside world. However, controlling daylight can be challenging, as it contains high levels of ultraviolet radiation, which can be detrimental to the objects on display. Consequently, utilizing natural light may prove to be an expensive lighting option when considering the preservation needs of the objects.
Display Accessories
A museum display case, also known as a showcase, display cabinet, or vitrine, is a cabinet featuring one or more transparent glass surfaces, often made of clear acrylic, used to showcase objects for viewing. These display cases can be found in museums, exhibitions, retail stores, restaurants, and even private residences.
“Museum display accessories: the key to unlocking the stories of the past.”
A museum display case is designed to protect and present objects of artistic, cultural, or historical significance. It allows viewers to observe the objects without physical contact while providing a secure and visually appealing presentation. Display cases are essential in creating a controlled environment for preserving and exhibiting objects, safeguarding them from dust, pollutants, and potential damage.
Importance of Museum Development: Museum development is a critical field that focuses on the planning, design, and management of museums and other cultural institutions. This discipline plays a crucial role in ensuring that museums are well-organized, adequately funded, and equipped to fulfill their mission and serve their audiences.
There are several reasons why museum development is important:
- Ensuring effective museum management: Museum development professionals work to establish the necessary resources, policies, and systems for museums to operate efficiently. This encompasses activities such as fundraising, budgeting, marketing, and visitor services.
- Supporting preservation and care of museum collections: Museum development professionals secure funding and resources to preserve and care for museum collections. This includes initiatives for conservation, restoration, and maintaining the integrity of artworks and objects.
- Enhancing the visitor experience: Museum development professionals strive to create engaging and interactive exhibits and programming that appeal to diverse audiences. This involves designing exhibits, developing educational materials, and implementing interactive technologies to make the visitor experience informative and enjoyable.
- Supporting growth and expansion: Museum development professionals play a vital role in supporting the growth and expansion of museums. This includes facilitating the development of new facilities, acquiring new collections, and ensuring museums remain relevant and accessible to the public.