November 4 2024
The museum building in Hermelinsparken is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The biggest news is that the building will have air-conditioned exhibition halls on one floor, which means that Norrbotten's museum will be able to display objects from its collections in a way that was not possible before.
- This is a fantastic opportunity for us. With the new air conditioning system, we will finally be able to show objects from our collections that were previously too fragile to exhibit, says Anna Lundgren, head of department for the Norrbotten Museum's public department.
The building in Hermelinsparken was built as a museum in 1936, and compared to then, today completely different requirements are placed on how museum objects are handled. Due to large variations in temperature and humidity in the building, Norrbotten's museum has had limited opportunities to exhibit objects, as their preservation was then at risk. A climate that is too dry risks cracking wooden objects. An environment that is too humid can cause mold, rust or other damage. Installation of district cooling and a new system to regulate humidity and temperature will provide a stable and controlled environment all year round.
- We are taking a big step forward and strengthening Norrbotten's museum's role as a cultural institution as well as our mission to show, care for, preserve and develop Norrbotten's cultural heritage, says county museum director Margaretha Lindh.
The renovation, which initially focused on the building's nearly 90-year-old windows, is complete, and work to update the water and heating system is in full swing. In addition to climate adaptation, a review of ventilation, electricity and fire safety must also take place.
- The renovation is a long-term investment that will ensure that the museum can meet today's requirements for both safety and conservation, says Jan Kangas, project manager at Regionfastigheter.
The museum, which closed in February, will remain closed longer than planned due to the extended construction. Once the renovation is complete and all systems are in place, extensive work will begin to restore the interior of the museum. In the exhibition halls, new exhibitions will be built, one by one. In connection with the closure, we also take the opportunity to look over the shop and reception, as well as staff areas.
- It is not possible to say exactly when the museum will reopen, but when we do, it will be a museum that is better equipped for the future. We look forward to welcoming our visitors to a new and even better museum experience, says Anna Lundgren.
While the building is closed, the Norrbotten museum shows a number of traveling exhibitions around the county. In collaboration with other actors in Luleå and in the county, lectures are arranged. In its premises on Björkskatan, the museum holds tours of its collections and archives, as well as arranging archive cafes as before.
All events are published on the museum's website and in social media. There is also ongoing information on how the renovation is progressing.