[Check out the Museum Route and its Group Page
resources.grelca.com/route/248
NOTE: The Museum Route is not linked in a loop with signposts, use its route webpage to navigate the listing]
Towers are a fun and exciting new feature, with endless possibilities. A lot of people use them for second homes, lounges, workshops, and stores, but I think one of the most exciting ideas is creating Museums. Museums are places that can entertain, educate, and inform. But most importantly, they are a new type of attraction created by players for players, that give us new in-game content and new areas to explore.
I saw HeyHeyHolly's Fruit Museum, and decided to build one myself, and it was a lot of fun. So if you have a tower, and don't know what to do with it, I would strongly recommend creating a Museum. Check out some of the museums listed below and consider building one yourself.
HeyHeyHolly's Fruit Museum - Les Fruits d'Ur Visit Picture
Haze's Mining and Metal Museum Visit Picture
EgIantine's Museum of Eggs Visit Picture
Theme Advice
I would think in general it's best to focus on a particular aspect of the game (or two) to focus on, rather than cataloging every activity, tool, and item in the game, or just a random collection of unrelated items. This will keep you focused on creating unique or entertaining exhibits related to every aspect of your chosen topic.
Also, even if you have an idea that might not seem strong enough to focus on, know that new features are planned for towers that will radically expand the current possibilities. Features like player-made art, or using Glitchr snaps for teleportation guides are planned (per stoot).
Construction advice
I think it's a good idea to use a note pole in your lobby, to let people know more about your museum and how it's organized. If you're using your tower for more than just the museum, this is a good place to let people know where the museum ends, and your general public spaces begin. Be sure to group all your museum floors together so they aren't skipped over. The general format I used is Lobby - Lobby and Gift Shop, and different Exhibits on different floors.
Exhibit advice
Use whatever you want to hold and display your items, but in general, Side Tables, Counters, Shelves, and SDBs are your friends. When placing physical items, make sure you are in Decorate Mode, as this will prevent players from being able to pick up the item. I was a big fan of placing a physical item rather than just using SDBs because this will allow players to physically click on the item, in case they wanted to check the in-game 'Info' screen that displays descriptions and item value. If a new player is in your museum they would probably appreciate this feature.
Note Pole advice
Place guides to your exhibits on note poles. Without these, you're really just displaying a random series of items. These are also the best place for you to express yourself and your vision for the museum, so why wouldn't you want to use them?
If you currently have a Museum, post your information below with a link to visit your home street, and maybe a pic or two of your museum.
I'm sure there will eventually be a route for museums [Ed. note: There totally is now], which Egiantine is helping to organize. I hope you all enjoy visiting, exploring, and creating museums. Here is her group. Here is the route page.