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Starting Your Own Museum: A Quick Guide to Getting Started
Starting your own museum can be a challenging but rewarding experience. If you are interested in starting your own museum, this quick guide can help you get started. Here are the steps you should follow to start your own museum:
Step 1: Let’s Start!
The first step is to create a museum development committee/board with all relevant stakeholders, including community members. You should also create a bank account, develop a business plan and constitution, and register the museum with all relevant legal bodies. Joining the Museums Association of Namibia and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) is also recommended.
Step 2: Create Your Skeleton
In this step, you need to decide on the number of galleries and the size of your museum, as well as the themes of your galleries and exhibitions. You should also consider having a temporary exhibition gallery.
Step 3: Write Up Your Shopping List
Develop a collections policy and create your accession forms for purchases, donations, and loans. You should also create job descriptions for staffing.
Step 4: Designs
Consider the lighting, cabinets, framing, display designs and layouts, and audio-visual elements. Don’t forget to include toilets!
Step 5: Security
Consider the security features needed for your artifacts and equipment, as well as the security of your visitors and employees.
Step 6: Curios Shop
Decide what to sell in your curios shop, and make sure to offer refreshments. Design unique items that will be sold in the shop that are exclusive to your museum.
Step 7: Keeping Your Museum Alive
Create interactive activities and programs for different audiences on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to keep your museum alive and engaging.
Starting your own museum may seem daunting, but by following these steps, you will be well on your way to making your vision a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Starting Your Own Museum
What is the first step to starting a museum?
Before doing anything, you should create a museum development committee/board with all the relevant stakeholders, and always consult the community. Also, create a bank account, a business plan, and constitution, and register the museum with all relevant legal bodies. Finally, join the Museums Association of Namibia and the International Council of Museums.
What is a collections policy, and why do I need one?
A collections policy is a document that outlines the guidelines for acquiring, managing, and preserving museum collections. It is essential to have one because it ensures that the museum follows ethical and professional standards when collecting and caring for artifacts.
How should I decide on the number of galleries for my museum?
First, consider the amount of space you have. Then, decide on the themes of your galleries/exhibitions. Additionally, consider creating a temporary exhibition gallery.
What is an accession form, and why do I need one?
An accession form is a document that records information about an artifact, including its provenance, condition, and value. You need one to keep track of your collections and to provide documentation for insurance, loans, and donations.
What should I consider when designing my museum?
You should consider lighting, cabinets, framing, display designs, and layouts, audio-visual features, and toilets.
What should I consider when it comes to security for my museum?
You should consider the security features needed for your artifacts and equipment, the security of visitors, and the security of your employees.
What should I sell in my museum’s curios shop?
You should decide what to sell based on the interests of your visitors. Additionally, refreshments are a good option, and you can also design items that are unique to your museum.
How can I keep my museum alive and engage with different audiences?
You can create interactive activities and programs for different audiences on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This could include workshops, lectures, guided tours, and other events.
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