The art of preservation: how art museums protect their most precious objects

In art museums there are some of the most valuable and most important cultural assets of humanity. Whether they are groundbreaking paintings, rare archaeological finds or unique historical artifacts, these treasures not only have enormous financial values, but also represent common cultural identity and achievements.

Munich has a variety of art and cultural museums, such as the House of Art , the Pinakothek der Moderne , the Museum Brandhorst and the State Museum-Egyptian Art .

Unfortunately, these museums and their irreplaceable works of art are exposed to a variety of threats. This showed an example of the theft of the gold treasure of the Gold from the Celts Römer Museum in Manching. As a result, Bavaria's Minister of Art Markus Blume (CSU) launched a package of measures for the security of the Bavarian museums:

In order to protect precious exhibits in the best possible way, museums have to develop a holistic security concept that takes into account various aspects. This includes the determination of the most valuable objects and their specific protection needs, the selection of a qualified security company in Munich , the use of modern surveillance technologies and structural measures to strengthen access points.

The careful combination of all of these elements and close cooperation with the responsible authorities helps museums to effectively protect their unique art treasures from dangers and maintain them for future generations.

The typical risks and threats to art museums

Art museums exhibit unique and valuable works of art, artifacts and cultural treasures. Even if you do not immediately think of dangers as a museum owner, the mere existence of these valuable objects is still a thief magnet. The risk of damage and theft is therefore lurking in the background. Vandalism, it is willful or out of carelessness, can lead to irreparable damage to the exhibits.

In addition, large crowds in museums themselves have risks. This includes accidents, medical emergencies or even potential security threats. Well, nature has always presented a danger for humans, but in museums the threat potential is particularly sensitive to natural disasters

These disasters can not only endanger the buildings, but also the exhibits themselves. Dilettantism is another danger. Improper handling, incorrect storage or inadequate ambient conditions such as temperature, humidity or lighting can lead to damage to sensitive objects.

Identification of the most valuable exhibits and their special protection needs

For an intelligent security concept of art museums, the most valuable pieces should be identified and their specific protection needs should be taken into account. This process begins with a careful evaluation of each individual object with regard to its financial, historical, cultural and scientific importance.

Financial values ​​can be determined relatively easily, but the true value of many exhibits is often not to be measured with numbers. Their value often lies in its uniqueness, rarity and its intangible cultural heritage.

After identification, it is the turn of the analysis of the special protection needs. Sometimes there are objects that are extremely sensitive to environmental influences such as light, temperature or humidity . And these require strictly controlled environmental conditions .

Another challenge is objects with a special size, weight or fragility. You need special handling and special transport methods . Apart from the art objects, specific, legal or ethical requirements often have to be taken into account.

A little insight into the work of a security officer gives a episode of the filmr Ehe "Behind the Scenes" of the state museums in Berlin:

Selection criteria for a qualified security company

The use of a private security service should not be missing in a security concept for art museums. However, it should not be used by any company, but those that meet certain selection criteria. The company must have extensive experience and expertise in the field of museum security and employees should not only be trained in general security tasks, but also have a profound understanding of the special challenges and requirements in the protection of valuable objects of art .

This includes the ability to deal with the exhibits with extreme care and respect. The security service provider should also be able to develop a tailor -made security concept that is tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the respective art museum. This also includes the willingness of close cooperation with the museum employees and authorities. This is the only way to set up a holistic and effective security concept.

Use of modern surveillance technology

In addition to a security service, the use of modern surveillance technology in museums is also of great importance. Contemporary security systems with cameras and sensors enable complete monitoring of the exhibition rooms, storage rooms and outdoor areas.

Intelligent video analysis should be used for early detection before incidents occur. In order for only authorized personnel access to particularly sensitive areas, biometric access control systems can also be used.

However, all of these technologies are only effective if they are monitored and serviced by qualified staff. A thorough integration into a holistic security concept including human expertise is essential to protect the most valuable treasures of art museums as best as possible.