Effective humidity control for museums and galleries
Uncontrolled humidity puts your collections at risk
Museums and art galleries play a vital role in preserving our shared history and culture. Whether you manage a major national museum, a neighborhood gallery, or a temporary exhibition, every item on display, or stored behind the scenes, faces potential damage from uncontrolled humidity.
Keeping humidity in check is essential for protecting and extending the life of artifacts, collections, and artwork. High, low, or rapidly changing relative humidity can impact almost any material. For example, too much moisture encourages mold and fungal growth, jeopardizing valuable pieces. Incorrect climate conditions can also accelerate metal corrosion, threatening both structural integrity and appearance. Environments that are too dry can cause materials like leather or clay to crack, weaken, and become brittle.
With uncontrolled humidity control you risk:
- Permanent damage to irreplaceable artifacts and artwork
- Falling out of compliance with humidity requirements for collection care and conservation
- Higher energy costs caused by treating excess moisture
- Potential loss of historically significant items
”Today we have the DSS Pro system from Munters and sensors in all rooms measuring temperature, humidity and CO2 levels. The system adapts based on the number of visitors. The system operates smartly, combining dehumidification and fresh air. We are very satisfied.”
Christian Løwe, Facility Manager
Carlsberg
Different materials require different humidity levels
Maintaining stable relative humidity levels all year-round helps protect irreplaceable collections. Relative humidity below 50% typically preserves items such as artwork, leaving them unaffected by moisture levels in the air.
Both excessively dry and overly humid air can affect museum collections: dry air removes moisture from objects, possibly causing them to contract and deteriorate, while humid air promotes swelling and mold growth. It’s therefore important to understand the material type. Below are typical “comfort zones” for different materials often found in a museum setting. Maintaining stable relative humidity - typically between 45% and 55% - will preserve artifacts and prevent environmental damage.
Optimal humidity range for museum materials for preservation:
- Paper: 65-70°F, 30-50% RH
- Metals: Below 40% RH
- Archeological artefacts like textiles: 30-60% RH
- Acetate film: 35°F, 30-40% RH
- Nitrate-based film: 36°F, 20-30% RH
- Pottery / clay / leather: 40-55% RH
Desiccant dehumidification and humidification for optimal museum climate control
Munters dehumidification and humidification solutions effectively maintain humidity at an optimal level, providing long-term protection for valuable collections as well as improving people comfort and energy efficiency.
Industrial dehumidification removes moisture and maintains a stable relative humidity level indoors, independent of the weather outdoors. Instead of reacting to condensation, mold, corrosion, or frost, afterwards, a proper desiccant dehumidification system prevents them from happening in the first place.
Evaporative humidification and cooling systems use a process which adds water to the air, increasing relative humidity, and lowering the temperature. This will ensure stable and continuous humidity control and reduce energy consumption. Depending on your specific application, the desired objectives can include achieving higher humidity levels or reducing the temperature.
Humidity standards and requirements for museums and art galleries
Museum moisture control is fundamental for preserving priceless artifacts, collections, and artworks. Exposure to moisture poses specific risks to museum collections, including potential damage to artifacts, accelerated deterioration, and increased vulnerability to mold and corrosion. By selecting the right indoor climate control solution, conservators, curators and other museum professionals can consistently secure the most appropriate conditions for each collection.
Products for museums, and art galleries
Cases and highlights
Learn more about humidity control in museums & art galleries
Protect your humidity control solution with Munters Service
Munters equipment is always backed by our world-leading service team. Directly employed by Munters, our team has decades of experience in maintaining climate control systems across many different industries and applications. With a Munters Service Agreement, you can extend your dehumidification and humidification systems life and ensure a healthy and regulatory compliant climate for both your artefacts, and your visitors all year round.
