ABSTRACT
The most successful museums are those that match their needs to the space(s) available. A rough rule of thumb for space allocation is reception/visitor facilities – 25 per cent; collections storage – 25 per cent; displays/exhibitions – 25 per cent; and support services – 25 per cent. In small-and medium-sized museums, it is more effective to use limited space for regularly changing exhibitions rather than ‘permanent’ displays. This approach makes use of the collections in a variety of different ways and does not take up space needed for other priority functions. It helps develop the museum’s audiences by encouraging them to return to the museum on a regular basis.
