New display depot in the Altenthann local history museum: experience culture alive

New display depot in the Altenthann local history museum: experience culture alive

Regensburg (R/L). The Regensburg district plans to further develop the local history museum in Altenthann into a modern display depot. The aim is to secure the museum's inventory and make the exhibits more accessible. Under the direction of District AdministratorTanya SchweigerAt its last meeting on November 7, 2024, the Committee for Family, Culture and Leisure decided on further steps to advance this project. The suggestion of the cultural advisorDr. Thomas Feuererplans to convert the current exhibition space on the top floor of the Altenthann multi-purpose hall into a display depot. In the future, visitors will not only be able to experience a selection of exhibits, but also take a look behind the scenes of the museum's work. In the future, the museum's educational mission would primarily be fulfilled with regular special and traveling exhibitions in the former rectory or Altenthann Castle and in the former Frauenzell monastery. The numerous cultural centers and especially the primary schools should also be included, in the style of a “pop-up museum”.

Current progress and challenges

Since the decision to redesign a year ago, over 200 objects have already been recorded and digitized.Dr. Katja PutzerandPeter SollerSince the beginning of the year, the Association of Municipal Archives Maintenance in the Regensburg District has been working on inventorying the collection with the support of volunteers. This is a particularly time-consuming step as many historical objects are in the depot and in the exhibition without sufficient documented information.

Technical requirements and spatial planning

In parallel with the revision and inventory, the plans for the structural redesign of the current permanent exhibition were concretized. After intensive testing, it is now clear that the attic is suitable for use as a display storage area. The static analysis by the engineering firm Baumruck + Oswald has shown that the attic will meet the requirements after a few adjustments. The planned spatial concept includes a reception area, an exhibition area for changing exhibits and the display depot itself. This allows for flexible presentation and safe storage of the collection.

Cost estimation and savings potential

The concept resulting from this coordination provides for the following spatial program: office/reception (11.85 sqm), presentation area (22.78 sqm) and display depot (approx. 246.50 sqm). The concept presented requires minimal structural measures. Only cosmetic repairs to the external staircase and the façade there as well as the dismantling of part of the vestibule are planned. In addition, the entire attic is to be painted, the office and presentation area is to be furnished and the lighting system is to be replaced. The rough cost estimate from Huber Architects dated October 15, 2024 for the implementation of this concept amounts to just under 98,000 euros.

Looking into the future

“With the display depot we want to safeguard the cultural heritage of the region and present the exhibits in a new way,” saidTanya Schweiger. The cultural committee supported the concept and unanimously approved the conversion of the previous exhibition room on the top floor of the multi-purpose hall in Altenthann into a display depot.