Frank, do you remember the 1st chapter of "Transformations"? I had spray painted a ton of saline cans (for contacts) to act as pillars. I always saw museums having a lot of pillars. Some have grand staircases, depending on the size (ala Matrix2's mansion set). Personally, I'd go for stark white walls and some sort of shiny, glossy floor. Maybe a chess board as was already mentioned.

Perhaps you need to watch Night In The Museum? Or the Mummy? :P