The Arab American National Museum (AANM) in Dearborn, Michigan, is the first museum in the United States dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. Since its opening in 2005, the museum has served as a hub for education, cultural exchange, and preservation.
The Challenge: Limited Storage for a Growing Collection
While the museum was thoughtfully designed to showcase exhibits and host public programs, storage space for artifacts was minimal. As the museum’s collection grew—ranging from textiles and historical documents to artwork and memorabilia—it became increasingly difficult to store and organize these valuable items safely. With limited funding and square footage, the museum needed an efficient, flexible solution to meet current needs and support future expansion.
The Solution: Customized High-Density Mobile Storage
After researching local storage providers and museum solutions, the museum partnered with The Casper Corporation to implement a powered high-density mobile storage system. The custom design for the Arab American National Museum features hanging rods, drawers, and adjustable shelving to accommodate a wide range of artifacts—from delicate textiles to larger, bulkier items.
This solution significantly increased storage capacity by eliminating fixed aisle space and consolidating storage into a compact, movable system. Additional components, like drawers for posters and media memorabilia and a wall for rolled textiles, offered further flexibility and ease of organization.
The Results: Flexible, Secure, and Future-Ready Storage
Installed on the museum’s lowest level, the system offers a highly efficient use of space and allows for 2-3 years of collection growth. Though the storage area isn’t open to the public, it can be viewed through a tour window, showcasing the museum’s commitment to preservation and transparency.
The museum’s team has praised the solution for its adaptability and long-term value, calling it a critical asset for the care and protection of their expanding collection.
A Model for Other Cultural Institutions
This project illustrates how museums can overcome space limitations with thoughtful storage planning. Through collaboration and customization, the Arab American National Museum created a system that preserves its collection, supports its mission, and plans for the future—all within its existing footprint.
How Casper Corporation Supports Museum Collections
At Casper Corporation, we understand the unique storage needs of museums and cultural institutions. Our museum solutions protect and preserve priceless artifacts while maximizing space and accessibility. From high-density mobile systems to specialized shelving and cabinets, we work closely with curators and collection managers to develop custom solutions that evolve with your institution. Whether you’re planning for expansion or improving existing storage, our team is here to help you safeguard history—one artifact at a time.