How Does Temperature and Humidity Damage Art?

Museum quality art pieces are extremely valuable and fragile. Temperature and humidity must be moderate at all times and never reach extremes. Therefore, one of the most critical tasks of a museum is to monitor the environmental conditions in showrooms, in storage areas and during transportation. Here's how temperature and humidity can damage your valuable art pieces:

• Dry air will cause cracks in paintings and shrinking of carrier materials (e.g. wood, canvas, cotton).
• High relative humidity close to 100% will cause dew: moisture collects on the surface and forms small drops.
• High temperature causes expansion, deformation or even melting of certain materials.
• High humidity increases the risk of mold.
  

Watch the video below to learn more about temperature and humidity monitoring in a museum.