Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Museum Storage Comes Into the Light

July 20, 2013 by Marion Maneker

Clyfford Still Museum Archive Display
Clyfford Still Museum Archive Display

The great Jori Finkel confronts one of the most important issues confronting museums today, their massive storage holdings that are not on view to the public. But two Los Angeles museums—LACMA and the Broad—are trying to change that:

At the L.A. County Museum of Art, where only 2.3% of the 119,000-piece collection is currently on view, director Michael Govan has been working with architect Peter Zumthor on new $650-million building plans that would, among other things, bring more artwork out of storage.

Meanwhile, at the Broad under construction downtown, architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro are essentially putting the storage room itself — and maybe the idea of storage as well — on display. The Broad is expected to open to the public by the end of 2014.

“There is this public assumption that museums are hoarding objects in dark rooms, and by the way that isn’t totally wrong,” said Govan. “What we’re saying is that those objects are worthy for viewing and studying if not always for exhibitions. So you’re not contemplating a masterpiece, but maybe you’ll find value in comparing and contrasting different examples of vases.”

LACMA, Broad, other art museums work to put storage on display (LA Times)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Christie’s First Open HighlightsChristie’s First Open Highlights
  • Another Explanation for the Soft Meiyintang SaleAnother Explanation for the Soft Meiyintang Sale
  • Rare Clyfford Still from Artist’s Late Period Expected to Fetch $17 M. at PhillipsRare Clyfford Still from Artist’s Late Period Expected to Fetch $17 M. at Phillips
  • Artelligence Podcast: Joan Miró’s Constellations at Acquavella GalleriesArtelligence Podcast: Joan Miró’s Constellations at Acquavella Galleries
  • A Tale of Two Decades in the Imp/Mod MarketA Tale of Two Decades in the Imp/Mod Market
  • Daily Beast Goes MiamiDaily Beast Goes Miami

Filed Under: Museums

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...