An adaptation of the author's MA dissertation for Northumbria University, this paper outlines concepts of exhibit, storage, and visible storage, and discusses conflicting museum mandates of providing access versus ensuring preservation. The experiences of museums in Canada, USA, England, and Scotland which use visible storage and other means of enabling visitor access “behind-the-scenes” are surveyed and compared. Information is gathered from seven institutions, by means of a survey questionnaire, interviews, site visits and personal communication. The survey questionnaire probes four key areas: the institutional visible storage history, staff analysis of their experience, any methods of interpretation of conservation functions used, and recommendations for improved design. This data is discussed and supplemented with a review of existing literature and personal observations. Predominant risk factors of light exposure and vibration are identified. Recommendations are made for implementation of visible storage and visible conservation at other museums, based on these research findings.
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