3.1.13. Halls for
storage
The life of the museum
also normally requires other service areas among which are storage
spaces for the works not displayed. However, this concept should not be
misunderstood. This space is not a place for forgotten objects, nor an untidy
room. Rather, it contains works otherwise important and significant in the
ecclesial context which for various reasons are housed there to assure more
careful protection and conservation.
If such works cannot be
used within the museum itinerary proposed, they may in time become an integral
part of it. In addition, they can be used for exhibitions, either within the
museum or outside of it. In this regard, the "rotation of works"
should be kept in mind that, with the necessary caution, may be carried out
both inside and outside the museum. A careful record of all loans and
acquisitions needs to be kept.
Works placed in a
deposit should be well arranged and easily identifiable. For this reason they
must be correctly documented and registered in the general inventory of the
museum or even in a separate catalogue; making sure that this documentation is
regularly updated. In addition, it would be advisable that such works be made
available to scholars and those institutionally responsible.
Some works are placed in deposits because they are in a precarious condition
and thus they necessitate restoration. One should take particular care to
safeguard them since they are in a delicate phase of their
"existence".
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