I'd suggest you look at the logistics of mounting and breaking down
temporary exhibits. Is there room for parking a truck, and a loading dock or
similar area away from the main entrance large enough to load and turn large
crates? An elevator for moving between floors or at the very least steps
wide enough to easily move loads?  Also, there are neighborhood
considerations especially for a row house (as many galleries and museums are
in Washington, DC)  Our neighbors are not thrilled about large trucks
backing and filling and movers shouting instructions back and forth.  Most
exhibits also have an opening: think about the architectural requirements of
serving beverages and refreshments, parking etc. at evening events.  I am
assuming that you have already taken zoning into account.

Sarah Andrews

-----Original Message-----
From: Alejandra Coghlan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 2:27 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: WHAT TO DO BEFORE CHOOSING AN OLD BUILDING TO HOUSE A MUSEUM?


Hello everyone,

I've read some interesting information that comes from
museum architects in this list. I have a question for
them which I hope can be answered: When you choose a
building -which already exists and has historical and
architectural value- to house a contemporary art
museum or an exhibition place (I'm thinking of places
that exhibit contmporary art like Le Magazin in
Grenoble, France) what do you have to be aware of? I
have some suggestions but there may be some more
things that have to be pointed out:
1. History of the building
2. Topography
3. Climate/ Weather
4. Foundation of the building (the supporting part of
the structure upon which the building is built)
5. Constructive techniques
6. Materials used for the construction
7. Measures or dimensions of the building (to see if
there is the necessary space to have an exhibition
area, a store room, administrative offices, etc.)

Are there more things to be aware of? I am finishing
my thesis which is about the problems -museographical
and non-museographical- that are posed by old
buildings adapted into contemporary art exhibition
places such as Le Magazin in Grenoble, France and many
others.

I would appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.

Alejandra Coghlan
[log in to unmask]

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