Despite many requests from visitors to make the popular "Otago's Otago" exhibition permanent, that was unlikely to happen, Otago Museum chief executive Shimrath Paul says.
"We don't have the space to have it as a permanent exhibition . . .
But some of the items and all the information are being kept in storage so it won't be lost if we can ever mount it again," he told the museum trust board on Tuesday.
A permanent space for the exhibition would be considered if the next stage of the museum's 15-year redevelopment concept plan materialised, he said.
The exhibition, which closed on Sunday, depicted places, experiences, objects and wildlife Otago people considered special about the province.
It attracted more than 33,000 people over the summer and another 20,000 when it was repeated in July and this month.
Board member Kate Wilson said the exhibition would be a wonderful taste of Otago for cruise ship passengers who did not often have much time to visit a museum.
"It is a wonderful collection. Some great strategic things should be done with it."
The former North Dunedin Port Office, which is now owned by the Dunedin City Council, is sited next to the museum, and was occupied by the Otago Art Society until last year.
Contacted after the meeting, Mr Paul said the museum was discussing with the council the possibility of leasing the vacant building for some sort of visitor experience reflecting the building's heritage values.
However, he said the space was not appropriate for the Otago's Otago exhibition.
