Collections Space: The Final Frontier (Smithsonian Institution, US)

Abstract To address storage challenges, the Smithsonian undertook a multi-year, highly collaborative, and Institution-wide planning initiative in 2010 to document, analyse, and plan for addressing current and projected collections space needs in a pragmatic, strategic and integrated manner. This case study provides an overview of the planning process, illustrates the innovative methodologies utilised in the initiative, and highlight outcomes which have made collections space an Institutional and budgetary priority—ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of Smithsonian collections. The immense scale of Smithsonian collections and collections spaces, the diversity of space types, and varied museum storage techniques constitute significant challenges for maintaining appropriate environments, security, fire safety, and storage equipment. The planning initiative established collaborative processes that engaged all stakeholders in solving collections space issues, conducted a comprehensive survey of existing Institutional conditions, and developed strategies applicable to other cultural institutions seeking efficient, sustainable collections space. The resulting Collections Space Framework Plan is a flexible roadmap to guide capital projects, provide renovation and new construction strategies that address unacceptable collections space conditions, allow for decompression of overcrowded collections, increase physical accessibility, anticipate future collections growth, and reduce reliance on lease space for collections storage. The Framework Plan has transformed the future of Smithsonian collections space. Existing conditions are documented in a database which is updated annually and analysed to prioritise improvements. It has already had a major impact on programming and securing funding for critical space improvements at Smithsonian museums and two off-site collections centres.