Revolutionary lighting for museums: protect works of art and make them tangible!

Revolutionary lighting for museums: protect works of art and make them tangible!

The interdisciplinary and international conference “Light in the Museum” will take place on June 26, 2025, which marks the start of an innovative research project. Under the direction of Professor Dr. Christoph Wagner at the University of Regensburg and in collaboration with Professor Dr.-Ing. Tran Quoc Khanh from the Technical University of Darmstadt is carrying out the project “Styles of Color and Modes of Art Centric Lighting” with funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) of 546,000 euros until 2026. The aim is to develop aesthetically convincing and conservation-friendly lighting solutions for museums.

The project analyzes the effects of different lighting scenarios on the visitors' viewing experience and the protection of the works of art on display. The preferences of the viewer are taken into account, as are art and cultural historical as well as restoration aspects. The close cooperation with museums and museum experts is intended to ensure practical research. Particular attention is paid to the effect of light on colors, shapes and the gaze behavior of visitors.

Complexity of museum lighting

The challenges of museum lighting are diverse. They not only have to meet aesthetic requirements, but also take conservation requirements and economic goals into account. The lighting concept extends beyond the actual exhibition space and also includes the outdoor area, foyers, cafés and shops. Planners are required to detach lighting from the static spatial cubature and concentrate on the use of spatial situations. Zoning and the identification of specific lighting tasks are of central importance here.

The possible goals of lighting include welcoming, discovering and entertaining visitors as well as encouraging them to linger. As part of a lighting project, planners should begin by clarifying basic questions regarding each functional area.

The role of LED technology

In this context, LED lighting plays a prominent role. It is preferred in museums worldwide and is known for its energy efficiency, longevity and diverse control options. LEDs significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Above all, their low heat emission protects sensitive works of art from possible damage.

The advantages of LED lighting are diverse:

• Energieeffizienz: Langfristige Einsparungen durch geringen Energieverbrauch.
• Geringe Wärmeabgabe: Minimale Wärmeentwicklung schützt Kunstwerke.
• Langlebigkeit: Längere Lebensdauer reduziert Wartungskosten.
• Anpassbarkeit und Kontrolle: Flexibilität in der Helligkeit und Farbtemperatur.

The correct selection of color temperature and color rendering index (CRI) is crucial for art exploitation. A high CRI above 90 enables precise color reproduction, while a color temperature between 3000K and 4000K is considered ideal. Track lighting and dimmable systems also allow the light intensity to be adjusted and create different atmospheres through exhibition design.

Future-oriented technologies

The integration of intelligent lighting systems in modern museums offers additional innovative possibilities. These systems can be controlled via mobile apps and optimize energy consumption through automation. Motion sensors help minimize exposure outside of opening hours, further helping to protect the artwork.

The research project will not only contribute to improving lighting in museums, but will also develop sustainable solutions for the cultural sector and specifically increase the visitor experience. Reviews of LED solutions show that they are not only safe for the delicate works of art, but also significantly improve their presentation.

The “Light in the Museum” conference, which begins tomorrow, will focus on the concrete application of lighting technology research in order to set new standards in museum lighting. Topics such as the interaction between light, art, film and art history will be of central importance for the future of the cultural sector. For further information, see the comprehensive explanations of museum lighting on the website ERCO and a detailed insight into LED technology LEDCST referred.