November 4 2024
The museum building in Hermelinsparken is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The biggest news is that the building will have climate-adapted exhibition halls on one floor, which means that Norrbotten Museum will be able to display objects from its collections in a way that was previously not possible.
- 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 now complete. In conjunction with the window renovation, the property owner decided to update the water and heating system, as well as ventilation, electricity and fire safety. The biggest news, however, is that one floor will be climate-adapted, which means that visitors will be able to see several objects from the museum's collections.
- 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.
There is a lot of renovation going on in the building, which means that the museum will have to remain closed for a while longer. In connection with the closure, renovations will also be made to, among other things, the shop, reception and café kitchen. The building will also get a new entrance gate.
At the same time, plans are being made for the exhibitions that the museum will open with. It is a solid job in which the entire museum is involved. After that, the exhibitions will be built up in the halls.
– It is not yet possible to say 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, Norrbotten Museum is showing a number of travelling exhibitions around the county. In collaboration with other actors in Luleå and the county, lectures and children's and family activities are being arranged. In the premises at Björkskatan, tours are being held and archive cafes are being arranged as before.
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