Dan, years ago, I worked on a team to develop an interpretive approach to the presentation of an open storage facility for a large museum in London, England. That storage was at another, rural, site, some distance from London. As an interesting 'catch-all' and, in effect, self-contained storage of museum items out in the country, it had already attracted some attention, and attendance, from the public. So its 'presence' was known, something that was already important, even if an updated PR program would ultimately be necessary. 

I have also helped to create a 'storage-view' at the mid-point of a larger collection presentation. While it was an integral part of an experience of the collection, this storage 'window' contained a huge number of items that were there to be seen as an indication of the museum's role. While it was given some interpretation (mostly about the museum's responsibility), that interpretation was quite limited, and generally didactic, which may also feel somewhat dated now. It was, however, intentional, and could be justified, if kept limited. It was also a good place for people to pause and just look.  

I can pass along that the effort to enable the London-based museum to operate its 'new' visible storage facility was, overall, both extensive and time-consuming. Much had occurred or been negotiated before an interpretive plan was even discussed. That's a long way of saying that, regardless of where the storage facilities may be located (i.e. in-house or elsewhere), your planning should include and take into account such things as: pre-development community and audience research, analysis, and possible negotiation; your own institutional expectations, intentions, reasons, vision, etc., for this facility, and its future function; possible changes/increases in visitors drawn to it, their impact on existing facilities, and for what sort of duration; on-site staffing needs (even if limited); operational, presentational and maintenance needs for things that have been in storage; publicity campaigns for this new facility; electronic tie-ins; etc., etc. Interpretation is one aspect of this sort of presentation. It may be like planning a new museum! 

The final interpretive 'plan' for the facility in England now seems dated and, in any event, cannot be shared. The more recent storage presentation in the United States was not exceptional (the collection presentation was another matter!). However, it will be useful for you to consider evolving tastes at this present-time, and potential visitor intentions now, even while considering possible institutional intentions and interpretations. I recall that visitors to the (admittedly rural) English storage facility indicated that they just liked seeing things. It may continue to be the case, but you will have to consider what your audience may want, as well as what your institution may expect. 

While some system of organization for storage items may be expected, and space around them important, even helpful, a 'wander-about' may also satisfy many visitors (especially in family groups). Even if you have some purpose for developing this facility for your particular situation, it is very important to watch and listen to visitors, and their expectations, before getting too entrenched in your own thinking (or that of the institution).

Open, visible storage is a great concept, and can attract many visitors, including first-time visitors. But they have their own important expectations, which should be heard. 

Like any collection presentation, the visible stored-items part should also evolve with tastes, time, expectations and engagement activities! It is not really about money, when it is spent carefully.

Peter Gale    

Peter Gale
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www3.sympatico.ca/pgale/

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