“The collections of the Historical Museum and Skissernas Museum, and the University’s art collection are important infrastructures for research and education that can now be accessible in an innovative and inspirational way, and that includes access for the general public. The University is conducting a unique initiative with the organisational units in order for this project to become a reality,” says Ann Kristin Wallengren, pro vice chancellor for Culture and Pedagogical Development.
The museums have long searched for a sustainable solution for their collections. They are now moving into a 5,200 m2 repository that fulfils modern requirements for climate control, security and accessibility. The move marks the start of the Open Collections project, which aims to preserve the collections for the future as well as offer access to researchers, students and the public.
“It’s enormously pleasing that after more than 15 years of assiduous work we have got a repository that fulfils all the modern requirements regarding indoor climate, security and accessibility,” says Christian Mühlenbock, director of the Historical Museum.
Focus on interdisciplinary collaboration
The project has a clear interdisciplinary focus. Bringing together the Historical Museum’s archaeological artefacts and Skissernas Museum’s artistic sketches under the same roof creates new opportunities for collaboration between different disciplines. The vision is to establish a hub with a leading international position in artistic, archaeological and museological development.
The museums’ collections are highly varied, which sets demanding requirements for the repository’s physical infrastructure. It must be smart, space-efficient and eco-friendly – regardless of whether it is to accommodate a heavy but fragile plaster sculpture, a five-metre-long rolled-up artwork or 500 small boxes of glass beads from the Iron Age.
Access for researchers, students and the public
For researchers and students the investment means a new level of access to the collections. Teaching right next to the repository enables practical elements and close contact with the artefacts. The public will also get a unique insight into the museums, through activities such as guided tours and seeing work behind the scenes.
“The collections are used frequently in teaching at the University and we have gained international recognition for our work involving object-based learning. There is enormous potential here and we are looking forward to having a physical infrastructure that enables us to continue cooperating with students and teaching staff from all the faculties,” says Annie Lindberg, director of Skissernas Museum.
The work involved in the move is expected to take up to four years but even now it is clear that the investment will give the University a world-class research infrastructure. Regarding Skissernas Museum, parts of the collections will be inaccessible until 2027. For the Historical Museum, the process is expected to take a further two years and its research service will reopen in 2029.
“Several million artefacts will be moved and all available resources are needed to ensure that no artefact is damaged – that the artefacts are packed, moved and unpacked strictly according to the rules,” says Christian Mühlenbock.
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