APT Museums in Historic Buildings Committee

20th Century Museum Guidelines

The New Orleans Charter and, indeed, the world of architectural preservation, use the term “historic” as a designation for structures that merit long-term preservation. The application of the term to a building involves a process in which its historic and aesthetic importance and various aspects of authenticity and condition are weighed.

At this point in time, when some modernist buildings are approaching their centennial, we must remind ourselves that “historic” and “modern” can co-exist. Many twentieth-century museum buildings are architecturally significant and worthy of preservation. In addition, the interiors of many of these buildings are as important as the exterior.

The New Orleans Charter is designed to provide a framework within which conflicts between the preservation needs of collections and the buildings which house them can be resolved. These conflicts are as relevant to twentieth-century museum buildings as they are to eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings.

One of the conflicts relates to the updating of exhibitions, since both the way the space is used and the exhibition itself may be considered to have historic importance. This involves fundamental aspects of the museum’s mission. Many other conflicts arise when additions or changes to museum buildings are proposed; i.e. many 20th century museums were designed to house a specific collection and their architects often designed the exhibition spaces as an integral part of the overall design of the building.

• Museums should consider the potential significance of twentieth century buildings they occupy in the same way that they look at older structures, since preservation of these 20th century buildings can be just as important a part of the museum’s mission as preservation of its collection. The historic significance of exhibition spaces and exhibitions themselves, particularly when designed by the architect of the building, should also be considered.
• Adequate study of the historic significance of the exterior and interior of the building and of the changes that have already been made should be carried out before any decisions are made regarding changes to these elements.
• The team assembled to consider changes to the building should include, if possible, the original architect, a representative of his firm, or its successors.
• Although updating exhibitions is a natural function of a museum, substantial consideration should be given to the preservation of significant historic exhibitions. If a decision is made to dismantle such an exhibition, it should be fully documented.
• Plans for significant alteration of the building, whether for aesthetic or functional reasons, must be balanced against the cultural significance and historic integrity of the original design. Proposed changes to the exterior envelope for the purpose of improving the internal environment should be carried out only after less intrusive options have been explored.

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