The National Museum’s collections are stored in the Finnish Heritage Agency’s Collections and Conservation Centre in Vantaa. In addition, the Maritime Museum in Kotka has storage facilities for collections. Furthermore, collection objects are on display at the National Museum’s museum locations.
The aim is to guarantee artefact safety and promote access to the collections for both the customers and the museum’s own operations. Suitable, stable conditions have been created for the museum collections in the climate-controlled storage facilities, which can be adjusted and monitored in real time. Preservation takes into account, among other things, the properties and aging processes of different object materials, as well as the presence of substances harmful to health in the collections, using suitable preservation materials. Occupational safety is promoted by warning signs added to packaging and item information, and by modern and adaptable working spaces with exhaust fans and fume cupboards. Collections and other material entering the storage facilities undergo freezing or anaerobic treatment to prevent pests. The premises are maintained through regular cleaning. Pest control is made annually and the premises are inspected to determine necessary measures, such as enhanced cleaning.
The unit’s experts handle collection logistics: the curator coordinates transportations and object orders, conservators are responsible for preparing objects for transportation, and museum technicians handle transportations and take object safety into account in all stages. Appropriate and modern logistics equipments, good advance planning, and a well-functioning logistics program enable smooth and efficient collection logistics.
More information: Heidi Rajala, Head of Collection Services