Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s top ten museums. It is perhaps best known for its magnificent collection of Old Masters. Since 1885 the collections have been housed is the impressive building designed by architect Pierre Cuypers in the heart of Amsterdam.
Because of an extensive renovation programme, the collection stored in the museum depot had to be relocated. The Rijksmunt building offered a suitable alternative. The space has been adapted to guarantee safe internal transport and ideal storage and optimum conservation conditions for the collection.
The solution
Depending on the shape and weight, solutions are chosen that guarantee the most safest and most appropriate form of large object storage.
- Long span shelving is used for the heavy objects of the collection.
- Carpet racks are used for carpet rolls.
- For long and flat objects, panel racks have provided the most safe solution.
- Cantilever racks are used for the storage of long objects, such as the former frames that used to surround the Night Watch.
Mobile museum storage
Furniture is stored in mobile longspan shelving and the larger objects on mobile platforms.
- Mobile museum storage creates an optimal combination of high density storage and accessibility for large objects.
- The stand still position of the mobile platforms is indicated by yellow and black tape. After use the platforms are replaced in their original position. This prevents the platforms colliding and means the access corridors are always in a permanent position.
- For added security for the collection and users, the hand wheels are equipped with aisle security. This blocks the platforms to prevent them being set into motion by accident.
- The raised floor, storage platforms and mobile longspan shelving have panels made from an emission free wood, inspected and approved by the Rijksmuseum and TNO.