A storage system having one or more storage modules each comprising a substantially cylindrical housing having a curved sidewall portion extending between a top wall portion and a bottom wall portion, with the housing being disposed about a central axis. A carousel is mounted within the housing for controlled rotation about the central axis. The carousel has a plurality of storage locations disposed in vertical arrays about the axis to receive articles to be stored. A first door opening is formed in the sidewall portion to provide for access from the exterior of the housing to at least one of the vertical arrays adjacent to the first door opening. A means for controlling the temperature within the housing is also provided.