What is Museum Design?

Museum design involves presenting information, art, and artefacts in a way that communicates, educates, influences, and enthrals visitors and scholars alike. Museum designers use techniques such as lighting, layout, and signage to create an immersive experience that fosters curiosity and enhances learning. The aim is to create exhibits that are inclusive, informative, and above all, inspiring.

Museum design involves a range of ingredients essential to creating a successful museum experience. The list below embraces 50 fundamental components that should not be forgotten when designing a museum.

1. 1. Project management
   2. Conceptual museum design
   3. Unique concepts and stories
   4. Spatial planning and museum layout
   5. Budgeting and cost-controlling
   6. Museum lighting design
   7. Climate control and ecological systems
   8. Great exhibition design and installation
   9. Striking museum graphics and typography
   10. Effective signage and wayfinding
   11. Different museum zones to maintain visitor engagement
   12. Object preservation and conservation
   13. Conservation lighting and temperature control
   14. Object mounting
   15. Master planning
   16. Multi-media exhibition technologies
   17. Sensory elements, such as audio-visuals
   18. Telling a captivating narrative
   19. Museum interior design
   20. Flexible lighting fixtures for temporary exhibits
   21. Artefact curation and acquisition
   22. Interactive exhibition designs
   23. Museum workshops
   24. Universal accessibility and inclusion
   25. NLHF – National Lottery Heritage Fund
   26. Content development
   27. Interpretation design
   28. Educational program development
   29. Object and artefact labelling
   30. Museum branding and (digital) marketing
   31. AI in museums, such as virtual and AR experiences
   32. Museum showcases
   33. Stunning architecture that creates purpose, function and a welcoming museum space
   34. Visitor facilities such as restrooms and cafe
   35. Volunteer management
   36. Museum Apps
   37. Interactive museum displays
   38. Future-proofing and Budget forecasting
   39. Hand-on museum interactives
   40. Experiences museum staff and training
   41. Family-friendly environments
   42. Security implementation
   43. Clear comprehension of the museum’s goals
   44. Digital collection and database management
   45. Museum shop
   46. UV light level testing
   47. Sustainable design elements such as HVAC systems
   48. Community engagement and outreach programmes
   49. Visitor feedback, surveys and analysis
   50. Audio / AI tours and narration

Here is our top 10 must-visit museum list for 2024

1. 1. The British Museum in London is a place that can enlighten a sense of wonder and awe in any visitor. With its extensive collection of over 8 million objects on display, it is a true treasure trove of history and culture. Spending a day exploring the exhibition galleries can be a truly enriching experience.
   2. The National History Museum in London is an exciting research facility and a centre of scientific excellence. This collection of specimens and exhibitions provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the natural world and learn about our planet’s past.
   3. The Science Museum in London is a fantastic place to explore and learn about science and technology. So many interactive exhibits and displays make the experience engaging and entertaining for visitors of all ages. It’s a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun and educational day out.
   4. The V&A— Victoria and Albert Museum in London has approximately 150 galleries to explore. It also showcases one of the most renowned 19th-century sculptures: ‘Three Graces’ by Antonio Canova (see photo above).
   5. The National Gallery in London is another fantastic museum that should be on your must-visit museum list. Once you step into the gallery, you’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the world-renowned Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflowers, exhibited in room 43. It’s a true masterpiece that is bound to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
   6. Tate Modern in London is well-known for its inspirational and iconic art galleries. Visitors will be captivated and engaged by the museum’s vast collection of artworks. Because of the museum’s significant impact on the art world, it is a popular visit for art lovers and professionals.
   7. The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is the world’s first university museum. Here you can explore the iconic artworks of Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Michelangelo, to name a few.
   8. The Burrell Collection in Glasgow is an art museum with a comprehensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. The museum, which opened in 1983, houses Sir William Burrell’s collection.
   9. The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is a world-renowned art museum with an extraordinary collection of art and artefacts from throughout the world. The museum’s collection comprises works of art from ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, as well as paintings and drawings from the Renaissance to the present period.
   10. The Wallace Collection in London showcases an invaluable collection of art and antiques accumulated over centuries. The Wallace Collection is a true gem of London, and although it is last on our list, it is certainly not to be missed.