Museums are running out of storage. Donations may be making it worse

The Cost of Living: The Growing Challenge of Museum Storage
Art and history lovers often find themselves captivated by the exhibits and artifacts on display at their local museums. However, what many may not realize is that the items they see represent only a fraction of the museum’s vast collection. Behind the scenes, in storage, lie countless more treasures that the public may never have the opportunity to view.
Nicholas Bell, CEO of the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, acknowledges the challenges museums face in housing and preserving their collections. The issue of overcrowding in storage facilities is exacerbated by the increasing number of fine art and artifacts being donated to museums across Canada. The Glenbow Museum, currently undergoing a $205 million renovation, anticipates that even after the project is completed, only a small portion of its 250,000-piece collection will be on display.
Statistics reveal that a mere six percent of the works at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and less than one percent at the Vancouver Art Gallery are currently exhibited. A survey conducted by the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property and the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators indicates that nearly half of Canadian cultural institutions are struggling to manage their growing collections, with many objects at risk of damage due to inadequate storage.
The influx of donations can be attributed to the generosity of Canadians, particularly as baby boomers downsize and seek to pass on valuable art to cultural institutions. Donors who contribute certified cultural property of outstanding significance can benefit from substantial tax breaks, as the capital gain on such donations is deemed to be zero.
Although the incentive for art donations was initially introduced to prevent valuable Canadian artifacts from leaving the country, the sheer volume of gifts has surpassed expectations. Many museums lack the infrastructure to accommodate and display these donations effectively, leading some institutions, like the McMaster Museum of Art in Hamilton, to halt art donations altogether.
The delicate relationship between museums and private donors can become strained, especially when institutions consider selling parts of their collections through deaccessioning. This process can be controversial and politically charged, as seen in the case of the National Gallery of Canada’s attempted sale of a painting by Marc Chagall.
Some experts suggest that donors consider providing financial support to museums instead of physical artifacts. This funding can help institutions maintain their existing collections, finance new exhibitions, or acquire works that complement their holdings.
Ultimately, while much of a museum’s collection may remain out of public view, the preservation and study of these artifacts are crucial for future generations. With advancements in technology allowing for greater access to virtual databases, museums continue to fulfill their educational and societal missions by safeguarding and interpreting the cultural heritage of the past for the benefit of future societies.