COVID-19 Museums and Collections Resources

This page was last updated in December 2022. 

Care and upkeep of collections are important especially in times of health crisis, including health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This section contains resources for the care and usage of collections, and practices adapted to cleaning policies and procedures following COVID-19.

In light of changing guidelines as the pandemic progresses, we have revised this page to be more applicable to the pandemic in 2022, as well as other health related challenges and concerns. Below, we have gathered resources that remain relevant in the face of future pandemic crises, general cleanliness, and closing operations.

For more on general collections and museum management, see here.

For information about caring for online collections, see here. 

Cleaning and Collections care

Find resources below to guide you in caring for your collection while also maintaining proper cleaning procedures.

• REALM Project

Results of tests performed by a consortium of the OCLC and IMLS on the viability of the COVID-19 on typical library, archive, and museum surfaces over time.

• Association for Library Service to Children – Best Practices for Cleaning Play and Learn Spaces

Sanitizing practices for institutions with play-places and hands-on children’s areas.

• NCPTT – COVID-19 Basics

Basic overview of best practices for disinfecting cultural spaces and collections.

• Canadian Conservation Institute – Caring for Heritage Collections during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cleaning and handling procedures for heritage collections.

• American Libraries – How to Sanitize Collections in a Pandemic

Best practices for cleaning and safety with library collections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• MNHS Historic/Adjunct Properties – Workplace Enhanced Cleaning Guidance for COVID-19

How to care for historic buildings and museum spaces.

Building & Ground maintenance care

Find information below on how to care for and sanitize your outdoor spaces, with resources for institutions with gardens and animal collections.

Caring for outdoor spaces

• Canadian Conservation Institute – Closing a Museum for the Winter

Preparing buildings and collections for winter closures.

• CDC – Guidance for Administrators in Parks and Recreational Facilities

Guidance for operating and maintaining outdoor spaces, such as parks and trails.

• National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center – COVID-19 Exhibitry Cleaning Guidance

Guidelines on cleaning outdoor artifacts and interpretive elements.

• American Public Gardens Association – COVID-19: Resources for Gardens

General guidance of safety procedures for institutions with gardens.

Reopening Procedures

• California Department of Public Health – COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Outdoor Museums and Galleries

Reopening outdoor museums and outdoor spaces.

• Canadian Conservation Institute – Closing a Museum for the Winter

Preparing buildings and collections for winter closures.