So you finally collected all the artifacts and fossils, and now you're standing in front of the Stardew Valley museum wondering what to do with all that space. The museum layout is more than just placing items on shelves—it's a chance to showcase your discoveries in a way that feels personal and satisfying. Whether you're a first-time player or someone who's rebuilt the museum a few times, figuring out the best setup can be a bit of a puzzle, but it's totally worth it once everything fits just right.

Maybe you're the type who likes things neat and organized, or maybe you want something more playful and creative. Either way, your museum layout says a lot about your play style and how much effort you’ve put into exploring every nook of the valley. From arranging artifacts by category to making the space feel like a real exhibition, there are plenty of ways to get creative.

And hey, if you’ve ever wondered how other players arrange their museums, you're not alone. The Stardew Valley community is full of great ideas, and this guide will help you make the most of your museum space. Let’s dive into how you can plan, organize, and customize your museum layout to make it truly yours.

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Table of Contents

• Museum Layout Basics
• How Many Items Go Into the Museum?
• Tips for a Functional and Beautiful Design
• Creative Themes and Arrangements
• Frequently Asked Questions

Museum Layout Basics

If you’ve just handed over the last artifact to Gunther, the museum is probably looking a bit empty. That’s totally normal. The layout you choose will shape how players, and even NPCs like the curious kids who visit, experience your collection. The museum has multiple floors and plenty of shelves, so you’ve got room to spread things out.

At first, the museum starts off pretty barebones. There’s one display case on the main floor and a few shelves upstairs. But once you donate enough items, Gunther adds more furniture and display cases. You can even place items on tables and shelves that you find or craft, like the Curio Cabinet or the Display Shelf. The key is to plan ahead—otherwise you might end up with a cluttered museum that’s hard to navigate.

One thing to keep in mind: each artifact or fossil has a specific category. They’re grouped by region and type, so arranging them by those categories can make the museum feel more like a real exhibit. You can also use signs, lamps, and other decorative items to make it look more inviting. Want to know where to find some of these display items? Learn more about Stardew Valley museum furniture here.

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How Many Items Go Into the Museum?

The museum requires a total of 84 items to be fully completed. These include:

• 56 Artifacts (28 from the Valley, 28 from the Desert)
• 28 Minerals (including 4 geodes and 4 omni geodes)

Once you’ve donated all 84 items, Gunther will give you a special reward—a mural of the museum. This is a nice touch to finish things off and gives your museum that final “wow” factor. But before you get to that point, you’ll need a good plan for how to arrange everything.

Some players like to start by placing the minerals first, since they take up less space and are often easier to find. Others prefer to arrange artifacts by location—like all the Mountain artifacts together, or the Forest ones grouped in one area. There's no right or wrong way, but a bit of planning can really improve the look and feel of your museum.

Tips for a Functional and Beautiful Design

Here are some practical ideas to make your museum layout both functional and visually pleasing:

1. Group items by category – This makes it easier to find things and gives your museum a more organized look.
2. Use lighting to highlight displays – Place lamps or lanterns near your favorite items to make them stand out.
3. Experiment with furniture placement – Try rotating shelves or adding tables to break up the space.
4. Add decorative elements – Use items like the Curio Cabinet or the Display Shelf to showcase rare finds.
5. Leave walking space – Don’t crowd everything together. Make sure you (and visitors) can walk through the museum comfortably.

If you're using mods like SMAPI or SVE, some of these items might behave differently or have new options, so it’s worth checking the latest updates. Also, if you're having trouble with mods not running properly, you're not the only one. Learn more about common Stardew Valley mod issues here.

Creative Themes and Arrangements

Want to go beyond the basics and make your museum feel like a real exhibition? Try one of these creative themes:

• The Archaeology Wing – Dedicate a section to ancient artifacts and fossils, arranged by era or origin.
• The Gem & Mineral Gallery – Showcase all your shiny rocks in a clean, minimalist style with proper lighting.
• Themed Rooms – Create small rooms inside the museum with different themes like “Ancient Civilizations” or “Prehistoric Life” using fences, signs, and decorations.
• Interactive Displays – Add signs or use the Curio Cabinet to label your favorite items and share fun facts.

One thing a lot of players forget is that the museum doesn’t have to be static. You can rearrange items anytime, and even use the space for seasonal decorations. Maybe add some pumpkins in the Fall or snowmen in Winter—just for fun. It's your museum, after all.

Oh, and if you're playing in multiplayer, the host is the one who arranges the layout. So if you're in a group, make sure to coordinate with everyone so the design works for all players. If you're having trouble getting the Crafting Master achievement, especially in Stardew Valley Expanded, you're not alone. It took me a really frustrating amount of time to get 100%, so I wanted to help others avoid the same fate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best layout for the Stardew Valley museum?

There's no single “best” layout—it really depends on your preferences. Some players like to group items by region or category, while others prefer a more open and decorative approach. Just make sure there’s enough space to walk around and that everything is easy to find.

Can I rearrange items in the museum after placing them?

Absolutely! You can move any item you’ve placed in the museum at any time. Just pick it up and put it somewhere else. This makes it easy to tweak your design as you collect more items or decide to go with a new theme.

Do I need to use mods for better museum layouts?

Not at all. The base game gives you plenty of tools to design a great museum. However, mods like Stardew Valley Expanded (SVE) do add new items and features that can enhance your experience. If you’re using SMAPI and running into issues, it might be worth double-checking your setup.