The RE-ORG Method Applied to Collection Storage at the Andafiavaratra Palace Museum, Madagascar

Abstract

Abstract In June 2019, Madagascar was chosen as a host country for a RE-ORG programme, a method developed by ICCROM and UNESCO and applied transnationally to help museums to improve the management of their collections in storage. This activity, initiated by UNESCO, was financed by the government of Japan and carried out by the Ministry of Communication and Culture in Madagascar. In December 1995, the Rova of Antananarivo, which housed the historic Queen’s Palace, was destroyed by a fire. Thirty per cent of the collections saved from the flames were transferred to the Prime Minister’s Andafiavaratra Palace, now a museum. For over two decades, the unexhibited collections were stored in unstructured rooms that did not comply with principles of preventive conservation. Putting theory into practice, the RE-ORG method was applied to the royal collections at the Andafiavaratra Museum in 2019. The project primarily involved the reorganisation of the storage rooms and training during two weeks for Malagasy museum staff. A unique approach was taken: the 26 participants from 12 museums returned to their respective museums when their training was completed with the intention to reorganise or create their own storage facilities. The RE-ORG project in Madagascar led the ICOM National Committee to a general review of Malagasy museums. This case study shows how improving storage areas in Malagasy museums led to greater awareness among the local museum community and visitors on the importance of preserving cultural heritage.