Storing priceless artifacts and sculptures is a responsibility museum staff can’t afford to take lightly. Without appropriate care, one-of-a-kind artifacts could be irreparably damaged, lost, or destroyed. The importance of museums’ proper artifact and sculpture storage cannot be overstated.
With many museums facing the additional challenge of limited storage space as their collections grow, finding room to store each artifact properly may seem impossible. Fortunately, many specialized storage solutions can safely store your unique artifacts and sculptures while making the most of your existing storage capacity.
Read on to learn about essential artifact storage considerations and the best storage solutions for all types of artifacts and sculptures. You can also check out more of our museum storage solutions here.
Storing priceless artifacts and sculptures is a responsibility museum staff can’t afford to take lightly. Without appropriate care, one-of-a-kind artifacts could be irreparably damaged, lost, or destroyed. The importance of museums’ proper artifact and sculpture storage cannot be overstated.
With many museums facing the additional challenge of limited storage space as their collections grow, finding room to store each artifact properly may seem impossible. Fortunately, many specialized storage solutions can safely store your unique artifacts and sculptures while making the most of your existing storage capacity.
Read on to learn about essential artifact storage considerations and the best storage solutions for all types of artifacts and sculptures. You can also check out more of our museum storage solutions here.
Top Storage Considerations for Artifacts and Sculptures
Protection and Preservation
The most important requirement for any museum storage solution is to protect stored artifacts from the most common agents of deterioration. These include dust and contaminants, insects and rodents, water, and physical damage.
The best museum shelving and cabinets are durable and non-off-gassing for safe long-term storage. Cabinets with doors and drawers protect stored artifacts from dust, pests, and light exposure. Consider which factors pose the greatest threat to each type of artifact when selecting the proper storage solutions for your collection.
Space Efficiency
It’s common for museum collections to grow over the years, but unfortunately, your storage space doesn’t usually do the same. Lack of storage space leaves many museums facing the risks of overcrowded storage or investing in expensive expansions. However, with the proper storage solutions, you can make the most of your existing storage footprint and free up space for future growth.
Accessibility
Another helpful factor to consider is the ease of access a storage solution affords. Shelving with drawers makes it convenient to locate and access stored artifacts. Open shelving provides unimpeded visibility and access to artifacts and sculptures, and some cabinets have the option of glass doors to find an artifact more quickly. Even high-density shelving systems open easily with either manual or push-button operation, so staff can quickly get to the desired shelf with minimal effort.
Museum Artifact Storage
Museum storage cabinets are an excellent solution for storing artifacts of various sizes. The most versatile option is the durable steel preservation cabinet with a customizable interior. The museum preservation cabinets are available in full-height or counter-height models and accommodate a customizable arrangement of drawers, trays, or shelves.
Preservation storage cabinets protect and preserve priceless artifacts. Closed-cell gasket seals and a three-point latching system ensure that the cabinet seals out dust and contaminants. Its durable construction protects stored materials from fire and water damage. It is available with several optional features, including locks, vents, and solid or transparent doors.
Flat file cabinets are another smart option for housing small artifacts. Typically including four to six shallow drawers, these non-off-gassing powder-coated steel cabinets are most often used for storing flat documents, artworks, maps, and other works on paper.
Nevertheless, flat file cabinets are also an excellent solution for storing an array of small or flat artifacts. The drawers roll out smoothly to quickly access stored artifacts and lock for additional security. Stored artifacts remain protected from dust, light, and pests. The shallow drawers waste no air space, and the flat file cabinets can be stacked two or three high to save valuable floor space. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
Large Sculpture Storage
When you need to store large sculptures and bulky 3D objects that can’t fit in a cabinet, wide-span bulk shelving is a durable and efficient solution. Wide-span shelving racks adjust to store just about any object, including large artifacts and sculptures.
A roll-formed boxed-style upright post design provides wide-span shelving with utmost structural integrity and a horizontal “Z” beam design that adds strength and stability. These versatile shelving systems feature two upright options, three beam options (heavy-duty, standard, and low-profile), five decking options, and many accessories. These options give you plenty of ways to customize the storage solution to meet your needs.
The open design of wide-span racks provides maximum visibility and accessibility for stored artifacts and sculptures. The double-tiered design efficiently uses vertical space compared to lining items on the floor. It also raises artifacts off the floor for additional protection against potential flooding and water damage.
High-Density Storage Systems
No matter what type of shelving or cabinets you select for your artifact and sculpture storage, you can further increase your storage capacity by incorporating your shelving into a high-density mobile storage system. In a high-density or compact storage system, museum cabinets or bulk shelving mount on sliding mobile carriages, eliminating static access aisles to double your storage capacity in your existing footprint.
High-density mobile storage systems are highly versatile and can accommodate just about any storage. Access the desired shelving unit by turning a mechanical hand-crank or with an electronic push-button operation to open a movable access aisle. The systems are equipped with safety features to keep stored items secure while the shelves are in motion and ensure that the carriages never close on a person or object left in an access aisle. You can also lock the closed system to prevent unauthorized access to stored artifacts.
Many museums have utilized high-density storage systems to optimize their storage space and create additional capacity for future expansion. The systems accommodate new or existing shelving and cabinets; you can customize them to store artifacts of all types and sizes efficiently. A high-density storage system could be your solution if limited storage space is a concern.
Top Storage Considerations for Artifacts and Sculptures
Protection and Preservation
The most important requirement for any museum storage solution is to protect stored artifacts from the most common agents of deterioration. These include dust and contaminants, insects and rodents, water, and physical damage.
The best museum shelving and cabinets are durable and non-off-gassing for safe long-term storage. Cabinets with doors and drawers protect stored artifacts from dust, pests, and light exposure. Consider which factors pose the greatest threat to each type of artifact when selecting the proper storage solutions for your collection.
Space Efficiency
It’s common for museum collections to grow over the years, but unfortunately, your storage space doesn’t usually do the same. Lack of storage space leaves many museums facing the risks of overcrowded storage or investing in expensive expansions. However, with the proper storage solutions, you can make the most of your existing storage footprint and free up space for future growth.
Accessibility
Another helpful factor to consider is the ease of access a storage solution affords. Shelving with drawers makes it convenient to locate and access stored artifacts. Open shelving provides unimpeded visibility and access to artifacts and sculptures, and some cabinets have the option of glass doors to find an artifact more quickly. Even high-density shelving systems open easily with either manual or push-button operation, so staff can quickly get to the desired shelf with minimal effort.
Museum Artifact Storage
Museum storage cabinets are an excellent solution for storing artifacts of various sizes. The most versatile option is the durable steel preservation cabinet with a customizable interior. The museum preservation cabinets are available in full-height or counter-height models and accommodate a customizable arrangement of drawers, trays, or shelves.
Preservation storage cabinets protect and preserve priceless artifacts. Closed-cell gasket seals and a three-point latching system ensure that the cabinet seals out dust and contaminants. Its durable construction protects stored materials from fire and water damage. It is available with several optional features, including locks, vents, and solid or transparent doors.
Flat file cabinets are another smart option for housing small artifacts. Typically including four to six shallow drawers, these non-off-gassing powder-coated steel cabinets are most often used for storing flat documents, artworks, maps, and other works on paper.
Nevertheless, flat file cabinets are also an excellent solution for storing an array of small or flat artifacts. The drawers roll out smoothly to quickly access stored artifacts and lock for additional security. Stored artifacts remain protected from dust, light, and pests. The shallow drawers waste no air space, and the flat file cabinets can be stacked two or three high to save valuable floor space. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
Large Sculpture Storage
When you need to store large sculptures and bulky 3D objects that can’t fit in a cabinet, wide-span bulk shelving is a durable and efficient solution. Wide-span shelving racks adjust to store just about any object, including large artifacts and sculptures.
A roll-formed boxed-style upright post design provides wide-span shelving with utmost structural integrity and a horizontal “Z” beam design that adds strength and stability. These versatile shelving systems feature two upright options, three beam options (heavy-duty, standard, and low-profile), five decking options, and many accessories. These options give you plenty of ways to customize the storage solution to meet your needs.
The open design of wide-span racks provides maximum visibility and accessibility for stored artifacts and sculptures. The double-tiered design efficiently uses vertical space compared to lining items on the floor. It also raises artifacts off the floor for additional protection against potential flooding and water damage.
High-Density Storage Systems
No matter what type of shelving or cabinets you select for your artifact and sculpture storage, you can further increase your storage capacity by incorporating your shelving into a high-density mobile storage system. In a high-density or compact storage system, museum cabinets or bulk shelving mount on sliding mobile carriages, eliminating static access aisles to double your storage capacity in your existing footprint.
High-density mobile storage systems are highly versatile and can accommodate just about any storage. Access the desired shelving unit by turning a mechanical hand-crank or with an electronic push-button operation to open a movable access aisle. The systems are equipped with safety features to keep stored items secure while the shelves are in motion and ensure that the carriages never close on a person or object left in an access aisle. You can also lock the closed system to prevent unauthorized access to stored artifacts.
Many museums have utilized high-density storage systems to optimize their storage space and create additional capacity for future expansion. The systems accommodate new or existing shelving and cabinets; you can customize them to store artifacts of all types and sizes efficiently. A high-density storage system could be your solution if limited storage space is a concern.
Top Storage Considerations for Artifacts and Sculptures
Protection and Preservation
The most important requirement for any museum storage solution is to protect stored artifacts from the most common agents of deterioration. These include dust and contaminants, insects and rodents, water, and physical damage.
The best museum shelving and cabinets are durable and non-off-gassing for safe long-term storage. Cabinets with doors and drawers protect stored artifacts from dust, pests, and light exposure. Consider which factors pose the greatest threat to each type of artifact when selecting the proper storage solutions for your collection.
Space Efficiency
It’s common for museum collections to grow over the years, but unfortunately, your storage space doesn’t usually do the same. Lack of storage space leaves many museums facing the risks of overcrowded storage or investing in expensive expansions. However, with the proper storage solutions, you can make the most of your existing storage footprint and free up space for future growth.
Accessibility
Another helpful factor to consider is the ease of access a storage solution affords. Shelving with drawers makes it convenient to locate and access stored artifacts. Open shelving provides unimpeded visibility and access to artifacts and sculptures, and some cabinets have the option of glass doors to find an artifact more quickly. Even high-density shelving systems open easily with either manual or push-button operation, so staff can quickly get to the desired shelf with minimal effort.
Museum Artifact Storage
Museum storage cabinets are an excellent solution for storing artifacts of various sizes. The most versatile option is the durable steel preservation cabinet with a customizable interior. The museum preservation cabinets are available in full-height or counter-height models and accommodate a customizable arrangement of drawers, trays, or shelves.
Preservation storage cabinets protect and preserve priceless artifacts. Closed-cell gasket seals and a three-point latching system ensure that the cabinet seals out dust and contaminants. Its durable construction protects stored materials from fire and water damage. It is available with several optional features, including locks, vents, and solid or transparent doors.
Flat file cabinets are another smart option for housing small artifacts. Typically including four to six shallow drawers, these non-off-gassing powder-coated steel cabinets are most often used for storing flat documents, artworks, maps, and other works on paper.
Nevertheless, flat file cabinets are also an excellent solution for storing an array of small or flat artifacts. The drawers roll out smoothly to quickly access stored artifacts and lock for additional security. Stored artifacts remain protected from dust, light, and pests. The shallow drawers waste no air space, and the flat file cabinets can be stacked two or three high to save valuable floor space. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
Large Sculpture Storage
When you need to store large sculptures and bulky 3D objects that can’t fit in a cabinet, wide-span bulk shelving is a durable and efficient solution. Wide-span shelving racks adjust to store just about any object, including large artifacts and sculptures.
A roll-formed boxed-style upright post design provides wide-span shelving with utmost structural integrity and a horizontal “Z” beam design that adds strength and stability. These versatile shelving systems feature two upright options, three beam options (heavy-duty, standard, and low-profile), five decking options, and many accessories. These options give you plenty of ways to customize the storage solution to meet your needs.
The open design of wide-span racks provides maximum visibility and accessibility for stored artifacts and sculptures. The double-tiered design efficiently uses vertical space compared to lining items on the floor. It also raises artifacts off the floor for additional protection against potential flooding and water damage.
High-Density Storage Systems
No matter what type of shelving or cabinets you select for your artifact and sculpture storage, you can further increase your storage capacity by incorporating your shelving into a high-density mobile storage system. In a high-density or compact storage system, museum cabinets or bulk shelving mount on sliding mobile carriages, eliminating static access aisles to double your storage capacity in your existing footprint.
High-density mobile storage systems are highly versatile and can accommodate just about any storage. Access the desired shelving unit by turning a mechanical hand-crank or with an electronic push-button operation to open a movable access aisle. The systems are equipped with safety features to keep stored items secure while the shelves are in motion and ensure that the carriages never close on a person or object left in an access aisle. You can also lock the closed system to prevent unauthorized access to stored artifacts.
Many museums have utilized high-density storage systems to optimize their storage space and create additional capacity for future expansion. The systems accommodate new or existing shelving and cabinets; you can customize them to store artifacts of all types and sizes efficiently. A high-density storage system could be your solution if limited storage space is a concern.
See Museum Storage Solutions Prices
See Museum Storage Solutions PricesSee Museum storage shelving, racks, & cabinets prices
All Museum Storage Solutions
Art Storage Shelving
Wall Art Display Panels
Works on Paper Storage Shelving
Pull-out Art Panel Racks
Contact Us for Artifact and Sculpture Storage
Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for museum artifact and sculpture storage. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your exact needs and specifications before the design begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.
Resources
Museum storage brochure overview
Museum Cabinets Storage Systems
Museum Storage Overview
Museum Collections Storage Guide
Museum Design Considerations
Museum Preservation
Risk Management in Museums
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Storing small artifacts museum cabinets-154024 -
Steel artifact shelving museum storage-154023 -
Specialized artifact storage cabinets-154022 -
Sculpture storage shelving museum-154021 -
Museum collection artifact sculpture storage-154019 -
Museum artifacts storage display cabinets-154018 -
Compact sculpture storage shelving-154015 -
Artifact wall racks museum-154014 -
Artifact storage shelving museum-154013 -
Artifact drawer cabinets collection museum-154010 -
Artifact cabinets museum drawer storage-154009 -
Artifact bulk storage racks museum-154008 -
3d objects storage museum-154007 -
Artifact storage drawers museum-154012
Museum Testimonials
“I want to thank your entire team for the outstanding work on our art storage project. The process from beginning to end was smooth and enjoyable, and the finished room looks terrific! Chester, Bryan, Chris, Chris, and the other members were extremely thorough and a pleasure to work with. They followed our house rules and took our direction very well. Thanks again for an outstanding project, and I look forward to working with Southwest Solutions in the future should the opportunity arise. ”
“The new art racks are massive and beautiful! I cannot wait to hang art on the racks with those fancy hooks, wow! Thank you for helping me see the project through. The efforts of your team and installation really made the project go very smoothly and on time. We look forward to showing off the new and improved art storage room to our Director, Board Members, and Staff. Thanks a million, it has been a pleasure to work with you and your wonderful team on our paintings storage area.”
“I would like to thank you and your team at Southwest Solutions Group for working with the museum so diligently over the years. I also want to thank you personally for your patience, professionalism and great attitude as we’ve navigated the sometimes bumpy road to completing the Blanton Phase I and Phase II. Southwest Solutions Group will certainly be at the very top of my list for any future museum storage needs.”
“Southwest Solutions Group is an amazing company made so much better by having Daryl at the helm of Museum and Library storage space saving designs in the NW. Daryl is not only an expert in high density shelving systems, but he consistently tunes into optimizing long term solutions to complex storage needs and pliable projects. Always reliable and knowledgeable, Daryl and his Spacesaver’s team have been indispensable partners in our world of cultural preservation.”
See more museum testimonials
