I worked at the Strong Museum all of the previous summer and visitors
loved the open collections.  Only about 1/3 of the collection is in open
storage, but that constitutes A LOT OF STUFF.  I would see visitors
walking through the aisles trying to find the toy or doll that was most
like their favorite one from childhood, or parents telling their children
about what they did with their toys or that grandma or grampa had
furniture like this, and etc.  It was an educational treasure hunt of huge
proportions.

This storage method allows the most access for the least trouble involved.
Plus it encourages individual research (there are also open record files
nearby).  Plus it always got a WOW from the person who has never seen it
before.


The corning museum of glass in corning, ny also has excellent open
storage.

Andrea Barrett,  soon to be employee of the Cleveland Museum of art
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