Museums typically display five percent or less of their collections at any given time, so it’s crucial to have the right storage equipment to protect and preserve the remaining artifacts. We offer a wide range of specialized museum drawer cabinets to store many different types of artifacts and specimens safely and efficiently. (Check out all of our museum storage solutions here.)
Museum drawer cabinets are space-efficient storage solutions that protect stored items from damaging factors like light, dust, and pests. Read on to learn more about the benefits of drawer cabinets for museums and the following types to consider:
Museums typically display five percent or less of their collections at any given time, so it’s crucial to have the right storage equipment to protect and preserve the remaining artifacts. We offer a wide range of specialized museum drawer cabinets to store many different types of artifacts and specimens safely and efficiently. (Check out all of our museum storage solutions here.)
Museum drawer cabinets are space-efficient storage solutions that protect stored items from damaging factors like light, dust, and pests. Read on to learn more about the benefits of drawer cabinets for museums and the following types to consider:
Benefits of Museum Drawer Cabinets
There are many reasons why museums store artifacts in cabinets with drawers. Here are a few benefits of using drawer cabinets for museum collection storage:
- Keep stored artifacts safe from light, dust, insects, water, and other threats
- Make efficient use of limited storage space
- Drawers pull out for easy access to stored items
- Artifacts are stored in individual drawers to avoid overcrowding or contamination
- Drawer labeling for improved organization and ease of access
- Drawers and cabinets can lock for added security
- Drawers can be adjusted and reconfigured as needs change
- Heavy-duty steel construction for long-lasting durability
- Non-off-gassing powder-coat finish meets museum quality standards
- Available in a wide range of sizes and configurations
Types of Museum Drawer Cabinets
Museum Preservation Cabinets
The most versatile drawer cabinet option, museum preservation cabinets are designed to provide customizable storage for various specimens and artifacts. These popular museum cabinets can accommodate almost any type of collection in full-height and counter-height models.
These durable steel cabinets provide high-quality protection for precious materials. With closed-cell gasket seals and a three-point latching system, the cabinet doors securely seal out dust and contaminants, and the cabinet resists fire, smoke, and water damage. It maintains a stable micro-climate to create the best possible storage environment for delicate materials.
The customizable interior of the museum preservation cabinets makes them an excellent option for storing many different types of artifacts. Outfit the cabinets with drawers that properly accommodate your collection, and you can also add trays or shelves to suit your needs. Other optional features for the museum preservation cabinets include locks, casters, vents with sliding closures, and solid or transparent doors. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
Benefits of Museum Drawer Cabinets
There are many reasons why museums store artifacts in cabinets with drawers. Here are a few benefits of using drawer cabinets for museum collection storage:
- Keep stored artifacts safe from light, dust, insects, water, and other threats
- Make efficient use of limited storage space
- Drawers pull out for easy access to stored items
- Artifacts are stored in individual drawers to avoid overcrowding or contamination
- Drawer labeling for improved organization and ease of access
- Drawers and cabinets can lock for added security
- Drawers can be adjusted and reconfigured as needs change
- Heavy-duty steel construction for long-lasting durability
- Non-off-gassing powder-coat finish meets museum quality standards
- Available in a wide range of sizes and configurations
Types of Museum Drawer Cabinets
Museum Preservation Cabinets
The most versatile drawer cabinet option, museum preservation cabinets are designed to provide customizable storage for various specimens and artifacts. These popular museum cabinets can accommodate almost any type of collection in full-height and counter-height models.
These durable steel cabinets provide high-quality protection for precious materials. With closed-cell gasket seals and a three-point latching system, the cabinet doors securely seal out dust and contaminants, and the cabinet resists fire, smoke, and water damage. It maintains a stable micro-climate to create the best possible storage environment for delicate materials.
The customizable interior of the museum preservation cabinets makes them an excellent option for storing many different types of artifacts. Outfit the cabinets with drawers that properly accommodate your collection, and you can also add trays or shelves to suit your needs. Other optional features for the museum preservation cabinets include locks, casters, vents with sliding closures, and solid or transparent doors. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
Benefits of Museum Drawer Cabinets
There are many reasons why museums store artifacts in cabinets with drawers. Here are a few benefits of using drawer cabinets for museum collection storage:
- Keep stored artifacts safe from light, dust, insects, water, and other threats
- Make efficient use of limited storage space
- Drawers pull out for easy access to stored items
- Artifacts are stored in individual drawers to avoid overcrowding or contamination
- Drawer labeling for improved organization and ease of access
- Drawers and cabinets can lock for added security
- Drawers can be adjusted and reconfigured as needs change
- Heavy-duty steel construction for long-lasting durability
- Non-off-gassing powder-coat finish meets museum quality standards
- Available in a wide range of sizes and configurations
Types of Museum Drawer Cabinets
Museum Preservation Cabinets
The most versatile drawer cabinet option, museum preservation cabinets are designed to provide customizable storage for various specimens and artifacts. These popular museum cabinets can accommodate almost any type of collection in full-height and counter-height models.
These durable steel cabinets provide high-quality protection for precious materials. With closed-cell gasket seals and a three-point latching system, the cabinet doors securely seal out dust and contaminants, and the cabinet resists fire, smoke, and water damage. It maintains a stable micro-climate to create the best possible storage environment for delicate materials.
The customizable interior of the museum preservation cabinets makes them an excellent option for storing many different types of artifacts. Outfit the cabinets with drawers that properly accommodate your collection, and you can also add trays or shelves to suit your needs. Other optional features for the museum preservation cabinets include locks, casters, vents with sliding closures, and solid or transparent doors. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
Entomology Storage Cabinets
Explicitly designed for entomological specimens, these specialized storage cabinets accommodate four styles of entomology drawers (Cornell, USNM, California Academy, and Smithsonian). Arrange and adjust the drawers as desired to meet the needs of your collection.
The durable steel cabinet protects stored specimens from dust, water, light, and contaminants. The reinforced doors lift off the hinges to make cleaning and reorganization easier. Entomology storage cabinets are available in full-height or counter-height models; the full-height cabinets feature handy pullout shelves at counter height for a convenient workspace.
The space-efficient entomology storage cabinet can hold up to 48 Cornell or USNM drawers and up to 56 Smithsonian or California Academy drawers. Several locking options are available to secure your specimens further.
Geology Storage Cabinets
Sturdy geology storage cabinets are well-equipped to support heavy geological samples. They are available in counter-height and full-height models, and you can arrange the interior with heavy-duty drawers to safely preserve geological specimens of various sizes. The full-height cabinet can accommodate up to 24 drawers.
Like the previous models, the geology storage cabinet doors seal to resist contaminants and water damage, and the reinforced door conveniently lifts off as needed. Optional security features include a lock for the standard recessed handle or a locking lever handle.
Oversized Drawer Cabinets
Even the largest specimens and artifacts can still find a suitable home in the oversized museum drawer cabinet. These extra-large cabinets provide 181 cubic feet of storage capacity and can house large artworks, historical artifacts, natural specimens, and more.
The interior of the oversized cabinet is highly customizable; it can accommodate up to eighteen 2-3/4″ drawers or eleven 5″ drawers. The cabinet features reinforced bi-folding doors that lift off for convenience. Optional features include two locking options, heavy-duty multichannel shelves, a rolled textile storage unit with full extension slides, an aluminum slide-out painting storage rack, and casters.
Flat File Drawer Cabinets
Flat file drawer cabinets are an excellent solution for storing large flat documents, artworks, maps, textiles, and more. These compact cabinets are available in various widths and heights to suit the needs of your collection.
Standard counter-height flat file cabinets include four to six slim drawers that can provide individual storage spaces for flat works, offering optimal conditions for preservation and eliminating potential damage from rolling or folding these delicate items.
The top of the counter-height cabinets provides a convenient work surface, or you can stack them to save floor space. You can also mount the flat file drawer cabinets on wheels for maximum flexibility.
Glass-Top Museum Drawer Cabinets
One model of flat file drawer cabinet features a glass top that enables museums to showcase stored artwork or artifacts to visitors safely. Museum guests can view items stored in the top drawer of the attractive cabinet while the artifacts remain protected beneath the clear tempered low-lead glass viewing surface. Staff can easily manage and change items on display, and the cabinet also features a single locking system that keeps all drawers secured against unauthorized access.
Compact Shelving with Drawers
Compact shelving systems are a popular solution for museums with limited storage space. These mobile storage systems are highly customizable and can accommodate all types of shelving, including drawers. Suppose you opt for a compact storage system. In that case, you can integrate drawer cabinets into the space-efficient system to provide secure and specialized storage for all your specimens and artifacts.
Herbarium & Botany Museum Cabinets
Although these storage cabinets do not typically feature drawers, the specialized botany and herbarium cabinets are still worth a mention. These durable botany cabinets feature the same sturdy steel construction, protective seals, removable reinforced doors, and non-off-gassing paint finish as the other cabinets discussed. However, they are designed with fixed shelves ideal for storing botanical specimens.
The botany storage cabinets come in counter-height and full-height designs; the largest model features double doors, two pullout work shelves at counter height, and 52 storage compartments separated by beaded dividers. A unique feature of the botany cabinets is the extra space provided in the front and back of the compartments, which allows air and fumigants to circulate freely. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
Entomology Storage Cabinets
Explicitly designed for entomological specimens, these specialized storage cabinets accommodate four styles of entomology drawers (Cornell, USNM, California Academy, and Smithsonian). Arrange and adjust the drawers as desired to meet the needs of your collection.
The durable steel cabinet protects stored specimens from dust, water, light, and contaminants. The reinforced doors lift off the hinges to make cleaning and reorganization easier. Entomology storage cabinets are available in full-height or counter-height models; the full-height cabinets feature handy pullout shelves at counter height for a convenient workspace.
The space-efficient entomology storage cabinet can hold up to 48 Cornell or USNM drawers and up to 56 Smithsonian or California Academy drawers. Several locking options are available to secure your specimens further.
Geology Storage Cabinets
Sturdy geology storage cabinets are well-equipped to support heavy geological samples. They are available in counter-height and full-height models, and you can arrange the interior with heavy-duty drawers to safely preserve geological specimens of various sizes. The full-height cabinet can accommodate up to 24 drawers.
Like the previous models, the geology storage cabinet doors seal to resist contaminants and water damage, and the reinforced door conveniently lifts off as needed. Optional security features include a lock for the standard recessed handle or a locking lever handle.
Oversized Drawer Cabinets
Even the largest specimens and artifacts can still find a suitable home in the oversized museum drawer cabinet. These extra-large cabinets provide 181 cubic feet of storage capacity and can house large artworks, historical artifacts, natural specimens, and more.
The interior of the oversized cabinet is highly customizable; it can accommodate up to eighteen 2-3/4″ drawers or eleven 5″ drawers. The cabinet features reinforced bi-folding doors that lift off for convenience. Optional features include two locking options, heavy-duty multichannel shelves, a rolled textile storage unit with full extension slides, an aluminum slide-out painting storage rack, and casters.
Flat File Drawer Cabinets
Flat file drawer cabinets are an excellent solution for storing large flat documents, artworks, maps, textiles, and more. These compact cabinets are available in various widths and heights to suit the needs of your collection.
Standard counter-height flat file cabinets include four to six slim drawers that can provide individual storage spaces for flat works, offering optimal conditions for preservation and eliminating potential damage from rolling or folding these delicate items.
The top of the counter-height cabinets provides a convenient work surface, or you can stack them to save floor space. You can also mount the flat file drawer cabinets on wheels for maximum flexibility.
Glass-Top Museum Drawer Cabinets
One model of flat file drawer cabinet features a glass top that enables museums to showcase stored artwork or artifacts to visitors safely. Museum guests can view items stored in the top drawer of the attractive cabinet while the artifacts remain protected beneath the clear tempered low-lead glass viewing surface. Staff can easily manage and change items on display, and the cabinet also features a single locking system that keeps all drawers secured against unauthorized access.
Compact Shelving with Drawers
Compact shelving systems are a popular solution for museums with limited storage space. These mobile storage systems are highly customizable and can accommodate all types of shelving, including drawers. Suppose you opt for a compact storage system. In that case, you can integrate drawer cabinets into the space-efficient system to provide secure and specialized storage for all your specimens and artifacts.
Herbarium & Botany Museum Cabinets
Although these storage cabinets do not typically feature drawers, the specialized botany and herbarium cabinets are still worth a mention. These durable botany cabinets feature the same sturdy steel construction, protective seals, removable reinforced doors, and non-off-gassing paint finish as the other cabinets discussed. However, they are designed with fixed shelves ideal for storing botanical specimens.
The botany storage cabinets come in counter-height and full-height designs; the largest model features double doors, two pullout work shelves at counter height, and 52 storage compartments separated by beaded dividers. A unique feature of the botany cabinets is the extra space provided in the front and back of the compartments, which allows air and fumigants to circulate freely. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
Entomology Storage Cabinets
Explicitly designed for entomological specimens, these specialized storage cabinets accommodate four styles of entomology drawers (Cornell, USNM, California Academy, and Smithsonian). Arrange and adjust the drawers as desired to meet the needs of your collection.
The durable steel cabinet protects stored specimens from dust, water, light, and contaminants. The reinforced doors lift off the hinges to make cleaning and reorganization easier. Entomology storage cabinets are available in full-height or counter-height models; the full-height cabinets feature handy pullout shelves at counter height for a convenient workspace.
The space-efficient entomology storage cabinet can hold up to 48 Cornell or USNM drawers and up to 56 Smithsonian or California Academy drawers. Several locking options are available to secure your specimens further.
Geology Storage Cabinets
Sturdy geology storage cabinets are well-equipped to support heavy geological samples. They are available in counter-height and full-height models, and you can arrange the interior with heavy-duty drawers to safely preserve geological specimens of various sizes. The full-height cabinet can accommodate up to 24 drawers.
Like the previous models, the geology storage cabinet doors seal to resist contaminants and water damage, and the reinforced door conveniently lifts off as needed. Optional security features include a lock for the standard recessed handle or a locking lever handle.
Oversized Drawer Cabinets
Even the largest specimens and artifacts can still find a suitable home in the oversized museum drawer cabinet. These extra-large cabinets provide 181 cubic feet of storage capacity and can house large artworks, historical artifacts, natural specimens, and more.
The interior of the oversized cabinet is highly customizable; it can accommodate up to eighteen 2-3/4″ drawers or eleven 5″ drawers. The cabinet features reinforced bi-folding doors that lift off for convenience. Optional features include two locking options, heavy-duty multichannel shelves, a rolled textile storage unit with full extension slides, an aluminum slide-out painting storage rack, and casters.
Flat File Drawer Cabinets
Flat file drawer cabinets are an excellent solution for storing large flat documents, artworks, maps, textiles, and more. These compact cabinets are available in various widths and heights to suit the needs of your collection.
Standard counter-height flat file cabinets include four to six slim drawers that can provide individual storage spaces for flat works, offering optimal conditions for preservation and eliminating potential damage from rolling or folding these delicate items.
The top of the counter-height cabinets provides a convenient work surface, or you can stack them to save floor space. You can also mount the flat file drawer cabinets on wheels for maximum flexibility.
Glass-Top Museum Drawer Cabinets
One model of flat file drawer cabinet features a glass top that enables museums to showcase stored artwork or artifacts to visitors safely. Museum guests can view items stored in the top drawer of the attractive cabinet while the artifacts remain protected beneath the clear tempered low-lead glass viewing surface. Staff can easily manage and change items on display, and the cabinet also features a single locking system that keeps all drawers secured against unauthorized access.
Compact Shelving with Drawers
Compact shelving systems are a popular solution for museums with limited storage space. These mobile storage systems are highly customizable and can accommodate all types of shelving, including drawers. Suppose you opt for a compact storage system. In that case, you can integrate drawer cabinets into the space-efficient system to provide secure and specialized storage for all your specimens and artifacts.
Herbarium & Botany Museum Cabinets
Although these storage cabinets do not typically feature drawers, the specialized botany and herbarium cabinets are still worth a mention. These durable botany cabinets feature the same sturdy steel construction, protective seals, removable reinforced doors, and non-off-gassing paint finish as the other cabinets discussed. However, they are designed with fixed shelves ideal for storing botanical specimens.
The botany storage cabinets come in counter-height and full-height designs; the largest model features double doors, two pullout work shelves at counter height, and 52 storage compartments separated by beaded dividers. A unique feature of the botany cabinets is the extra space provided in the front and back of the compartments, which allows air and fumigants to circulate freely. Visit our online store to see our museum storage products.
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Wall Art Display Panels
Works on Paper Storage Shelving
Pull-out Art Panel Racks
Contact Us for Museum Drawer Cabinets
Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for all types of museum drawer cabinets. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your exact needs and specifications before the design begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.
Resources
Museum Storage Capabilities
Museum Cabinets Storage Systems
The Church Studio Case Study
920 Series Preservation Cabinet
Conservation Counter Height Model 215
Conservation Counter Height Model 220
Conservation Full Height Model 395
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Museum Testimonials
“I want to thank your entire team for the outstanding work on our art storage project. The process from beginning to end was smooth and enjoyable, and the finished room looks terrific! Chester, Bryan, Chris, Chris, and the other members were extremely thorough and a pleasure to work with. They followed our house rules and took our direction very well. Thanks again for an outstanding project, and I look forward to working with Southwest Solutions in the future should the opportunity arise. ”
“The new art racks are massive and beautiful! I cannot wait to hang art on the racks with those fancy hooks, wow! Thank you for helping me see the project through. The efforts of your team and installation really made the project go very smoothly and on time. We look forward to showing off the new and improved art storage room to our Director, Board Members, and Staff. Thanks a million, it has been a pleasure to work with you and your wonderful team on our paintings storage area.”
“I would like to thank you and your team at Southwest Solutions Group for working with the museum so diligently over the years. I also want to thank you personally for your patience, professionalism and great attitude as we’ve navigated the sometimes bumpy road to completing the Blanton Phase I and Phase II. Southwest Solutions Group will certainly be at the very top of my list for any future museum storage needs.”
“Southwest Solutions Group is an amazing company made so much better by having Daryl at the helm of Museum and Library storage space saving designs in the NW. Daryl is not only an expert in high density shelving systems, but he consistently tunes into optimizing long term solutions to complex storage needs and pliable projects. Always reliable and knowledgeable, Daryl and his Spacesaver’s team have been indispensable partners in our world of cultural preservation.”
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