Background & Scope
The Old Quad, built in 1856, is the original and oldest building at the University of Melbourne. The exhibit designers were tasked with creating seven museum showcases to support rotating temporary exhibitions, each lasting six to twelve months. Operational requirements include showcase mobility, safe handling, and secure storage between exhibition periods. The current displays feature ancient Greek and Roman everyday, ritual, and luxury artefacts from the University’s Archaeology Collection.
Modular Showcase Design & Microclimate Integration
European Museum Technology engineered freestanding showcase enclosures specifically designed for frequent repositioning within the heritage timber-panelled hall of the Old Quad Museum. To support continuous exhibition rotations, safe handling, and long-term storage, the modular design incorporates custom-fitted protective fabric covers engineered to safeguard the glass vitrines and metal frames from impact or abrasion during transport and transition phases.
To protect delicate antiquities across varying display cycles, active miniClima EB 10 humidity control units were integrated directly into the lower base compartments of each showcase to strictly regulate internal relative humidity. The interiors are fully configured for archaeological displays, featuring specialized showcase lighting systems, graphic backdrop mountings, and modular plinths tailored for ancient Greek and Roman artefacts.
Custom-fitted protective covers shield the glass vitrines and steel frames from damage during transport and off-exhibition storage
Active miniClima EB 10 humidity control units are integrated into the lower base compartments to regulate microclimates for delicate antiquities
Freestanding modular showcases positioned in the heritage hall, fully reassembled and ready for internal lighting and artifact installation
