Review of preventive conservation in museum buildings

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents a critical review of preventive conservation in museum buildings. It summarizes theories and approaches spanning from fifty years (1965–2016) in Europe, Canada, and US. From a wide range of bibliography (110 publications composed by books, guidelines, researches, and other documents), the study wants to identify recurring topics in different historical periods, geographical countries, and cultural approaches. Main fields of action of preventive conservation regard: damage preservation and environmental management; architecture and exhibit design; environmental and energy simulations; monitoring, recording and controlling of the environmental agents; management and training. Particularly, the consciousness of the importance of the environmental impact on museum buildings, introduced a broad debate on the definition of the standards for minimizing and assessing heritage risks, considering single factors (light, temperature, relative humidity, and indoor air pollution) and their cumulative effects. The attention on energy efficiency started from the last decade, focusing mainly on energy audit, modelling, and retrofit of historic buildings. Generally, these works are not specific for museums but, anyway, criteria, methodologies, monitoring procedures, simulation models, and technical solutions are suitable also for museum buildings. The design has central role both for passive and active indoor control. Besides, everyday management, regular maintenance, and training are considered key actions for promoting safeguard, users’ comfort and energy efficiency. The research aims to serve as a reference for technicians and conservators to amplify and to ordinate their knowledge in the field of preventive conservation in museum buildings.