The great challenge to museum architecture lies in providing for the often conflicting uses of the building. On one hand, the important objects in the collection must be preserved, and preservation often requires very specific environments. On the other hand, museums make parts of their collection available to the public, so the environment must be comfortable for people, enabling their movement through the space and providing for their safety.

1. B Y : H A Y L E E G R I F F I N
MUSEUM
ARCHITECTURE

2. WHAT IS MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE
“Museum architecture creates buildings specially designed to house
objects that have been collected because of their historical, scientific, or
artistic importance.
The great challenge to museum architecture lies in providing for the often
conflicting uses of the building. On one hand, the important objects in the
collection must be preserved, and preservation often requires very specific
environments. On the other hand, museums make parts of their collection
available to the public, so the environment must be comfortable for
people, enabling their movement through the space and providing for their
safety. In addition, museums are often publicly owned structures, and
museum architecture is designed to make a statement about the
community. Today, museum architecture also has to accommodate
environmental concerns as well.”
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-
museum-architecture.htm

3. HAZARDS TO HISTORIC ARTIFACTS
LIGHT
Too much light speeds deterioration of photographs, textiles and printed or handwritten
paper, furniture, etc. Historic objects should be protected from excessive light levels, and
especially from sunlight and florescent light, which contain high amounts of ultraviolet
radiation--which is the most harmful form of light. Place furniture, antique quilts and other
memorabilia out of direct sunlight and/or florescent light.
TEMPERATURE
Too high or too low a temperature (or rapid temperature swings) can damage rubber,
wood, metal, etc. Store or display historic memorabilia in spaces that have climate-control
systems (heating and air conditioning). Do not store in sheds, attics and basements.
HUMIDITY
Humidity that is too high encourages pests and mold growth on paper, textiles and
parchment, and promotes rust on metal. Humidity that is too low can cause objects to
become brittle. Organic objects in particular absorb and release moisture depending on
the relative humidity of their environment and need a stable humidity. Store historic
memorabilia in an area that has a steady, constant humidity (45%–55%), and store or display
historic materials away from heating and air conditioning vents.
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/give/donate-
an-artifact/preservation-of-
artifacts.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

4. HAZARDS TO HISTORIC ARTIFACTS
PESTS
Different types of historic materials attract different types of pests. Roaches and silverfish are attracted to
paper and books. Moths are attracted to protein fibers such as silk and wool. Termites are attracted to
wood. Conduct regular inspections of historic objects that attract pests.
HUMAN BEINGS
Human beings are one of the greatest threats to historic objects, not only due to surface compounds, such
as oil, sweat and make-up that they carry on their skin, but also because we continue to use historic
objects. These oils and other surface substances are transferred to the object during handling. Wear cotton
or nylon gloves when handling historic paper, textiles, photographs, and wooden and metal objects. Many
objects are damaged because people handle them in inappropriate ways, such as trying on clothing,
taking items to show-and-tell at school or even using them for their original purposes. All of these uses put
undue strain on the objects and put them at risk for loss or damage.
CHEMICAL REACTION & AIR POLLUTANTS
Certain types of materials, such as metal and marble, react to chemicals present in the air. This is a
particular concern for outdoor objects such as marble statuary, iron architectural elements, etc. Chemicals
such as formaldehyde and acidic gases from wooden compounds can also harm historic objects.
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/give/dona
te-an-artifact/preservation-of-
artifacts.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

5. HOW MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE HELPS WITH
PRESERVATION
• Provides for the safety of objects on display
• Climate controlled environments
• Security of objects
• Provides for the safety, security, and comfort of visitors
• Creates ways for visitors to be close to the objects and
connect with them intellectually and emotionally without
damaging them.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-
museum-architecture.htm

6. GREAT MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
One of the most famous museums in New York
City, The Guggenheim, was designed by world
renown architect Frank Lloyd Right in 1959.
The design of the cylindrical building was to be a
“temple of the spirit.”
A ramp spiraling through the center of the building
draws the eye to the grand skylight and then
transports visitors to different levels of the museum
where they can ogle over world renown art.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_R._Guggenheim_Museum

7. GREAT MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE
The Lourve
The Lourve, the most visited museum in
the world, is a must on any trip to Paris.
The museum is part of a large fortress
dating back to the 12th century, parts of
which are still visible today. The
museum’s focal point, a large glass
pyramid, was designed by architect I.M.
Pei and opened in 1989, with new
exhibition spaces following soon after .
Oh, and it also has one very famous
painting.
http://www.louvre.fr/en/history-louvre

8. GREAT MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE
The Metropolitan Museum
of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of
Art, or better known as simply
The Met, is the largest art
museum in the world. The
architects Calvert Vaux and
Jacob Wrey Mould designed
the initial Ruskinian Gothic
structure, the west facade of
which is still visible in the Robert
Lehman Wing. The building has
since expanded greatly, and
the various additions—built as
early as 1888—now completely
surround the original structure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Museum_of
_Art

9. GREAT MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE
The British Museum
The British Museum’s Greek
Revival main building and four
adjoining wings were designed
by architect Sir Robert Smirke in
1823 and completed in 1852.
Although original designs
called for a courtyard, the
center of the museum was
changed to be a reading
room. Surrounding the Reading
Room, is the Great Court,
distinguishing itself from the rest
of the museum with a huge
glass ceiling. The Great Court
was designed by Norman Foster
and opened in 2000.
http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/the_museums
_story/architecture.aspx