Setting up a new museum depot: where do you begin?
Setting up a new museum depot? That’s not something you do overnight. Now that the renovation works at the Erfgoedfabriek (Heritage Factory) are in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about the interior layout. After all, a depot containing 50,000 different objects has very specific and complex needs. Fortunately, we found the perfect partner in Bruynzeel Storage Systems for fitting out the depot of the Erfgoedfabriek (and of BRUSK).
The Erfgoedfabriek: our new depot
In 2023, we will be moving the majority of our collection to the Erfgoedfabriek. There, 50,000 objects from the Musea Brugge collections, the complete Raakvlak collection and collections from partners in the Bruges region will find a permanent home. As you can imagine, all these objects in the collection vary greatly in terms of material, shape, dimensions, condition and sensitivity to climate fluctuations.
To create the optimal storage environment for all objects, a unique depot layout is essential. Besides bespoke packaging and the right climatic conditions, we also need the most suitable storage furniture. For example, framed artworks must be able to hang on mesh walls, loose textiles must be stored in drawers or on a roll system (see photo), and costumes and chandeliers must be suspended. Now that renovation works at the Erfgoedfabriek are well underway, it is time to prepare this complex interior layout; a task that requires plenty of thought and calculation. What exactly do we need? And which firm will we work with?
Preparation: what exactly do we need?
To answer that question, we mapped out the specific storage needs for each sub-collection. In 2020, we carried out an analysis of the contents of all existing depot spaces. These depots (almost 50!) are currently spread across various historic buildings in Bruges’ city centre, which is not always practical.
At the Erfgoedfabriek, we aim to create ideal storage conditions for all collections, so it's important to invest in an efficient and contemporary layout plan. The analysis resulted in a list of several types of furniture and storage systems, such as mesh walls for storing light and heavy two-dimensional pieces, pallet racks for heavier and larger three-dimensional objects, and tube-based racks for rolled items such as tapestries. In addition, we translated these needs into a possible practical layout for the spaces within the Erfgoedfabriek itself.
The assignment: which firm to collaborate with?
Because Musea Brugge is part of the City of Bruges, we rely on a framework contract for a large project such as fitting out the Erfgoedfabriek. With the preparation complete, exploratory discussions followed in spring 2021 with potential firms for the supply and installation of the depot furniture. This firm would not only fit out the Erfgoedfabriek, but also the depot spaces for our paintings and works on paper in BRUSK. In other words, it's a significant assignment!
During the tender process, we considered factors such as phased execution, material quality, price, and the reuse of shelving and storage systems we already employ. In October, we assigned the contract to the company Bruynzeel Storage Systems.
We are already looking forward to a good cooperation and magnificent result. Our moving blog will present regular updates on the progress of construction and moving, so stay tuned!
