Museum Design Guide 101

A museum is a building that houses collections of art, history, or

other objects. Museums are often designed to be beautiful and
inviting spaces for visitors. They can also serve as educational
facilities where people can learn about the world around them.
This guide will provide you with information on how to design
museums and what features they should include in order to
effectively communicate their message.

What is a Museum?
Museums are usually funded by public money and guided by a
board of directors. It is important to keep this in mind when
designing them so that they can fill the needs of their visitors, while
also being financially sustainable.

A museum will sometimes be designed to house a specific

collection, but it may also be designed to have different exhibits
and collections throughout the year. The type of collections will
have an impact on the way the museum is designed.

There are many different types of museums, including:

 Art museum
 Natural History museums
 Architecture museums
 Science museums
 War and History Museums
 Children’s museums
 Archaeology museums
 and of course many more.

Museums should be easily accessible for all types of people, not

only from a location and travel perspective, but also in terms of
accessing and traveling through the building.
A good way to start thinking about how you want your museum
designed is by looking at other examples from around the world!

Museum Planning
Museums can vary considerably in size, type and purpose,
therefore it is important to be able to narrow down the particular
features and context for the project as concepts are developed.
Some museums employ large amounts of staff, qualified experts
who curate, manage and conserve the collections. Other museums
however, may require very few staff to oversee the exhibits.

While there is no standard formula for space planning and areas

for a museum, due to their variations, much of the requirements will
come from the clients brief, type of collection, purpose and so on. It
is important to understand the museum’s mission, and create an
interesting layout for the collections. Key to this is the circulation
through the spaces and how the visitors interact with the exhibits.

Welcoming visitors within the first few feet of a museum should be

one of its biggest priorities. It’s often helpful to have some sort of
 directional signage that leads people to different sections or
exhibits, and provides information about current happenings in the
building. Museums are typically designed with clear flow paths so
that visitors can easily find their way around, while also providing
plenty of places where they’re free to wander and explore at will.

Spatial Relationships
While there is no standard formula for museum design, in most
cases a selection of different spaces are generally seen in most
museums. It is important to assess how these spaces will need to
relate to one another, and how public and staff will circulation
between these spaces.

These museum spaces can include (but are not limited to):
 Public display areas
 Storage for exhibits not currently on display
 Conservation area
 Data collection
 Loading/unloading
 Packing/unpacking
 Workshop
 Staff facilities
 Lobby/reception
 Sales/shop
 Cafe
 Public restroom facilities
 Event spaces
 Teaching rooms

How will collections be moved while the museum is still open to the
public? Will staff use the same circulation as the public? Where will
new collections be stored before being moved to exhibit areas?
How are new collections delivered and processed? How are old
collections packed up and shipped? How many of these areas
need to be climate controlled? These are just a few questions that
need to be considered.

Museum Design Guidelines

Accessibility
As mentioned earlier, it is important that the museum is accessible
to all and this should be taken into consideration throughout the
design process to ensure access is not an afterthought.

The building must be able to accommodate people with any kind of

disability. This can fall into three different areas.

Approach and Entrance

Users must be able to approach and enter the building safely and
easily. If the building is an existing historic building with restrictions
to access, it could be worth considering an alteration to the main
point of entry to allow for everyone to access the building in a more
convenient location.
Circulation
All visitors should be able to circulate through the building using
the same routes, with or without a disability. Ideally, lifts should be
near to main stair access to allow everyone to experience the
same flow through the spaces. Disabled facilities should be
available on every floor to allow easy access.

Staff
All other areas not open to the public should be easily accessible
for a wheelchair user, with suitable facilities on the office level.

All access requirements will be noted in local building regulations,

it is important to adhere to these guidelines. However, I would
always aim to go above and beyond the minimum requirements to
make sure access and use of the museum is enjoyed by all equally
as much as possible.

Circulation
How visitors flow and circulate through the museum is a key part of
the user experience. Is it easy to navigate? Does the route tell a
story? Questions like this will help establish how visitors will
experience the building and progress through the exhibits.

Signage and guidance is an important part of the circulation plan of

a museum, helping to guide the visitor on the suggested route
through the exhibits help them get the best experience of the
museum. Consider foreign visitors and how this information might
be communicated to them.

The entrance of the museum should a provide clear indication of

the layout of the building, proposed circulation and facilities
available to the visitor. This will ensure the visitor is able to access
the collections, and the other museum services available.
 Circulation through the museum may take a linear form, where
there is a clear beginning, middle or end. Circulation could also be
a loop, where the visitor is led through the collections and finishes
back at the beginning. Other options include core and satellites,
where there are more central areas with small display rooms
branching off from them. In some cases there will be a combination
of all of the above.

Staircases, escalators and lifts will need to be designed in

accordance with local building regulations.

Circulation through the spaces will be one of the most important

parts of the museum planning and layout and is not to be
underestimated.
Display and communication
How the exhibits are displayed and communicated will play an
important role in the experience of the visitors. How will the staff
communicate the collections to the visitors? What do the visitors
want to see?

There are a variety of mediums that can facilitate communication of

the collections to the visitors and these include:
 graphic display
 video and sound
 theatre
 video
 static objects
 tactile objects
 interactive computer
 animatronics
 reconstruction
 working environments and more

Be creative and think outside the box when planning how the
visitors will experience the exhibits. Think about colour, stories and
how everything might connect. Depending on the exhibits, it is
important that there is plenty of space between and around the
exhibits so visitors are able to experience them clearly without
being crowded by other visitors.

Interactive elements will allow visitors to explore and learn more

about the topic, while sound can create a mood or atmosphere.
Lighting is also important to allow viewers to see the exhibits
clearly, but can also create an atmosphere.

Make sure that your signage is clear and well-written so visitors

can easily understand what they are viewing.

[guidance on display and anthropometric data regarding viewing

displays and so on can be found in books such as Metric
Handbook – Planning and Design Data, or Neufert Architects
Data.]

Storage
Storage spaces will depend on the nature of the collections and the
work carried out at the museum in addition to the display of
collections to visitors.

Storage spaces can require access by staff to assess the

collections, or they may be temporary holding areas while
collections and changed over. Generally the storage areas will not
be open to the public and solely used by staff of the museum.

Storage requirements will be specific to each museum and it is

important to understand the requirements to ensure enough space
is provided.

Public Facilities and Restrooms

Public facilities and restrooms should be easy to locate throughout
the building. Museum visitors often spend a long time in the
building and will require moments to rest. Seating and rest zones
should be available for visitors to use, along with usual sanitary
requirements.

Cafes are often located at the entrance to a museum to allow

visitors to access refreshments at the start or end of their visit.

Lighting
The lighting design in a museum or building that houses sensitive
objects is a complicated process. Considerations need to be taken
first and foremost on the effects of natural and artificial lighting on
the exhibits. Direct sunlight should not fall on a collection item and
there are detailed guidance documents relating to UV radiation and
light dosage which go beyond the scope of this article.

Lighting can also create a mood and experience for the visitor as
they pass through the collections. It is important that visitors aren’t
subjected to extreme changes in brightness as this can be
uncomfortable. However changes in lighting is important in order to
provide interest. Coloured lighting can also be used as well as
different types of lights. It can be used to create highlights and
shadows around the collections.

A lighting specialist would usually be consulted for a museum

design.
Climate, environment and temperature
Museum collections are often sensitive to any fluctuations in
temperature, humidity and air pollution. Therefore it is important the
climatic conditions are designed carefully and remain constant in
any areas that house the exhibits, including any storage facilities.

There are guides available that demonstrate suitable relative

humidity and temperatures for museums and galleries. It is likely a
specialist will be consulted to assist with the environment design of
the museum, to ensure the conservation of the exhibits.
Security
Security is an important consideration for any museum design. The
safety of the museum staff, visitors and collections are of utmost
importance, with many factors to consider.

Reducing entry points to the museum allows for access areas to be

monitored closely. Usually a single entrance for the public will
suffice, with additional access for staff and deliveries. Entrance and
exits are the more vulnerable part of the building in terms of
security and need special attention when designing.

Museums are often zoned for security reasons, with daytime

access enabled for all visitors, but night time security increased.

Visitors can be sent through a security checkpoint before entering

the museum. Museum employees can wear uniforms to that they
can be easily identified and trained on how to handle emergencies
and protocols that should be followed.

All collections and exhibits must be suitably protected from theft,

vandalism and accidental damage. This may include using glass
cabinets to house the exhibits or employing security staff to patrol
the spaces and monitor particularly important or expensive pieces.

Space must be provided for equipment and safe escape from the
building in case of emergency.
Conclusion
Museums are often iconic buildings that can attract international
attention and visitors. They can sometimes be at the centre of
urban regeneration projects receiving widespread funding to create
a new civic symbol of the local community.

There is an opportunity for excellent design throughout all areas of

a museum providing an exciting project for any designer.
Share your museum design project with us! We would love to put
together a showcase of student projects that feature museum
design – just send us an email with some of your project
information and images to info@[Link] with the
subject line Museum Project.

ny travel itinerary is not complete without a trip to the local museum. It is a

structure that houses and displays art collections, ancient artifacts, and other
historical memorabilia. Museums play a significant role in cultural preservation by
enabling us to preserve history and hand it down to future generations.

Not only do museums serve the general public, but they also reciprocate the
needs of researchers, educators, and experts in various fields. There are also
instances where museums are built to accommodate a specific collection.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF

MUSEUMS:
 Art museum
 Natural History museums
 Architecture museums
 Science museums
 War and History Museums
 Children's museums
 Archeology museums
In addition to viewing art and historical pieces, many people also come to
museums to appreciate their unique and stunning architecture. Due to its
purpose, the design principle and museum architecture standards vary from
typical construction projects such as buildings and warehouses. Building
museums require very specific depending on the type of collection exhibited.

MUSEUM PLANNING
Since museums vary in size and purpose, it is critical to narrow down the specific
features, amenities, design, and context during the conceptualization phase.
Researching about museum architecture thesis and museum architecture case
studies can shed light on the complexity of museum design.

More prominent museums need to employ a sizeable staff who can curate,
manage, and conserve the exhibit, aside from the admin and maintenance
personnel. As such, smaller museums would only require a handful of employees
to oversee their daily operations.

When it comes to museum architecture, the first impression lasts. Therefore, it is

ideal to prioritize the entrance hall and install directional signages and other
information leading to the exhibit. Understanding its primary purpose and the
layout of the collection will determine space circulation and how the visitors will
view or interact with the display.

Furthermore, most museum architecture concepts incorporate the use of multiple

kinds of spaces, such as:

 Public display areas

 Storage for exhibits not currently on display
 Conservation area
 Data collection
 Loading/unloading
 Packing/unpacking
 Workshop
 Staff facilities
 Lobby/reception
 Sales/shop
 Cafe
 Public restroom facilities
 Event spaces
 Teaching rooms
Understanding the correlation between these spaces is crucial due to the
significance and value of the collection. The museum architecture firm must
assess how each functionality can benefit one another and how the public and
staff will navigate between these areas.

MUSEUM DESIGN GUIDELINES

Due to exhibit variations, there is no current building or design standard for
architectural museums. However, most of the design requirements come from
the clients and, of course, the type of the museum. Many things go into creating
and designing these public facilities, but these are the essential guidelines when
designing a museum.

1. ACCESSIBILITY
The national museum of architecture must be accessible to all. As a center for
learning, the facility must be open to people from different backgrounds and
social statuses. The visitors should easily navigate the building using the same
path, regardless of whether they have special needs or otherwise.

Adhering to standard safety codes and access requirements is imperative so that

all visitors will be treated equally. However, the museum management can
always go beyond their duty and pursue an exclusive design layout to enhance
their access services further.

2. NAVIGATION
Since most museums deal with historical artifacts, incorporating the proper
timeline into the building's walkway design ensures that visitors learn about
history chronologically.

In addition, signages and a guiding staff are also feasible options to successfully
guide each guest so that they can fully immerse themselves and fully experience
the museum's collection and architecture. The designer can create a linear path
circulation, or it could be in a loop, where the visitor is led through the exhibit and
ends back at the entrance hall.

3. INTERACTIVE DISPLAY
After identifying the museum's purpose, designers must determine how the
general public would interact with the collection. Can the visitors touch the
display or enclose the artifacts inside a glass case?

Technological breakthroughs in visualization can significantly improve the

building's learning and ambiance. Many galleries enforce a strict no-touch policy,
but they can install video screens that could show the history or fundamental
facts of a particular art piece or artifact.

Several mediums can help museums bring back to life, including:

 Video and Sound

 Theatre
 Static objects
 Tactile objects
 Interactive computer
  Animatronics
 Reconstruction
 Non-touch Interactives
 Laser Projection
 Augmented and Virtual Reality
Identifying how the audience can fully engage in the exhibit without touching
them requires technology and creativity. Make enough room between or around
the displays, so everyone learns and has an immersive experience inside the
museum of architecture and design.

4. LIGHTING
Lighting up a museum is a complex task due to some factors. It plays a vital role
in highlighting each display, but most museums prefer artificial lighting due to the
sensitivity of some items or paintings.

Moreover, lighting also sets up the mood and the ambiance for each guest as
they walk through the collection. Changes in illumination spark interest, but it is
crucial to gradually do this as a sudden light burst may cause discomfort.

5. SUSTAINABILITY
Due to preservation efforts, most museum designs disregard energy efficiency.
However, due to the growing adversity of global warming, new design concepts
are being implemented that focuses on sustainability. Here are some tips for
building healthy and sustainable management in every museum:

 Reduce energy consumption

 Employ the use of environmental management systems
 Promote cultural production
 Raise public awareness regarding ecological responsibility
 Advocate reusing and recycling of materials
Most displays need to be placed away from direct sunlight. The architect can
divert the idea of natural lighting in other building areas. They can also suggest
having a roof garden to improve thermal insulation, reducing energy
consumption.

6. SECURITY
Security is an essential component in every building, but the level of security in
museums is exceptionally higher. Many factors have to be considered, but
ultimately the safety of the guests, staff, and the collection needs to be a
paramount design consideration.

The security manager can reduce the entry and exit points in the museum to
closely monitor food traffic. A considerable amount of security personnel will
suffice during the day, but security must be heightened at night. They also need
to set up a checkpoint and bag inspection unit at the entrance and install
proper security access doors to protect against theft, vandalism, or accidental
damage.

TAKEAWAY
Museums are an essential part of the community due to their knowledge.
Designing a museum is no simple task, but they are critical in preserving our
history as a whole and introducing new technologies and sustainable practices.

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