ICOM STORAGE is an International Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), dedicated to all aspects of museum collection storage. The committee strengthens ICOM’s commitment to supporting museum professionals in addressing the practical, ethical, and strategic challenges related to the storage of collections, ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural heritage for current and future generations.

ICOM STORAGE recognizes collection storage as a core and integral component of the museum mission. Storage is not only essential for the safeguarding of collections, but also for research, access, sustainability, and risk management, as well as for strengthening relationships between museums and their communities. Acknowledging the complex challenges of storage management, the committee promotes strategic and innovative approaches—including improved organization of stored collections and visible or open storage models—that enhance transparency, accessibility, and public engagement.

Mission and Objectives

ICOM STORAGE serves as a global forum for museum professionals and related specialists involved in the care, management, and development of collections in storage. Its mission is to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy on issues related to stored collections across all museum types and disciplines.
ICOM STORAGE aims to strengthen the role of collection storage within museum practice and policy by pursuing the following objectives:

• Contribute professional expertise to the development, implementation, and evaluation of ICOM policies, decisions, and programmes related to collection storage, in line with ICOM’s Code of Ethics for Museums.
• Act as a permanent international platform for communication, cooperation, and exchange on storage-related issues, bringing together museum professionals, specialists in museology and museography, researchers, scientists, architects, designers, and other relevant specialists.
• Promote high professional standards in collection storage by encouraging the development, sharing, and application of best practices, guidelines, and innovative solutions in storage planning, preventive conservation, risk preparedness, sustainability, and accessibility.
• Support museums in improving the quality, resilience, and relevance of their storage facilities and practices, particularly in response to climate change, social transformation, resource constraints, digital developments, and evolving community expectations.
• Stimulate research, debate, training, advocacy, and capacity building through a structured programme of activities, including conferences, workshops, and professional development initiatives, to better integrate collection storage into museum policies and strategies.
• Disseminate knowledge and expertise through peer-reviewed publications, newsletters, and other communication tools, as determined by the committee.
• Encourage and support museums in opening their storage spaces to the public and to communities, fostering greater access, transparency, and engagement with collections.
• Cooperate closely with ICOM National Committees, Regional Organisations, International Committees, and Affiliated Organisations to advance the committee’s mandate and contribute to the broader objectives of ICOM.

As a worldwide and inclusive committee, ICOM STORAGE promotes mutual understanding of diverse cultural practices, institutional contexts, and perspectives related to stored collections. Through dialogue, meetings, conferences, training activities, and publications, the committee supports a shared commitment to safeguarding heritage while enhancing access and relevance in museums globally.