It’s been a busy summer for museum openings, with bumper crowds queuing around the blocks. The Riverside Museum in Glasgow attracted more than 400,000 visitors in its first six weeks and the National Museum of Scotland welcomed 100,000 through the doors in the first six days, while 10,000 queued to get in on the day the Museum of Liverpool opened.

But whatever the size and price of a redevelopment, or whether a prize-winning architect was involved, after the first rush of visitors, what counts is whether they return. After the novelty of the “newness” has worn off, is there actually anything worth seeing, and does the programming, interpretation and display provide enough depth and breadth to engage visitors?

Good programming, which is difficult but not impossible in these cash-strapped times, is a key ingredient. The Imperial War Museum North is an example of an organisation that invests in its temporary exhibition programme; its current show, War Correspondents, is a cracking illustration of a timely, well-researched and gripping display.

Good interpretation and display also generate repeat visits. I’ve visited many new and redeveloped museums this summer, and some of the displays, considering how much they cost, are shockingly dull and identikit. It must be tempting to go for a “safe pair of hands” when choosing a design company for a big project, but this can sometimes lead to mediocre galleries that could be anywhere.

There are exceptions, of course. Manchester Museum’s Living Worlds gallery is a playful and inspired redisplay of its natural history collection. And the Walker Art Gallery’s British Art 1880-1950 successfully tries a new contextual approach to displays by rooting the art in the social context of the time.

It might be argued that it’s difficult to take risks in a recession. But eschewing the safe option and allowing designers, staff and the public to be creative might be the answer to keeping your galleries alive.

Sharon Heal, editor, Museums Journal

sharon@museumsassociation.org

www.twitter.com/sharonheal

www.museumsassociation.org/cuts