Choosing Used Museum Display Cases

Used Museum Display Cases

Museum display cases are designed to showcase artifacts and artwork in a way that is both visually appealing and protective. They are used in museums, cultural & heritage centers, libraries and private collections, as well as for temporary exhibitions and traveling displays. The main purpose is to protect the fragile exhibits from damage and deterioration. This is achieved by keeping the environment in the case stable and limiting contact between exhibits and display materials.

The display case also acts as a barrier against contaminants from the environment and from other visitors to the gallery. Many types of contaminant can affect an artifact; these can include volatile compounds, migration of material components, and physical damage such as accretions (corrosion on metals, efflorescence on shells), discolouration of paper, or tackiness from degradation of polyurethane foam. The rate at which these processes occur depends on the concentration of the pollutant; low concentrations may be tolerated, but high concentrations must be controlled.

Many types of materials are used in the construction of exhibition galleries and support structures for art works and documents. It is not possible to avoid contact between an art work and some of these materials; however, the risks can be minimized by selecting suitable materials with which to build and maintain exhibits. Some lists of “safe” or “stable” materials have been published, and these can be useful for designers and curators.

Choosing Used Museum Display Cases

An important consideration is the effect of temperature on chemical reactions. Temperature changes can affect both the speed of chemical decomposition and the emission rate of volatile compounds. Generally, the decomposition rate decreases with a reduction in temperature. However, this is not always a desirable effect since it may lead to an increase in the risk of toxicity to an object.

Another factor that must be taken into account is the relative humidity of an exhibition space. High levels of humidity can accelerate the deterioration of some artefacts. However, a reduction in the relative humidity can significantly slow down the rate of degradation. This is achieved by maintaining the ambient temperature at a constant level, and by using a dehumidifier.

An evaluation of the environment in which an exhibition is held should be carried out before the exhibition opens. This should include the detection of any pollutants present in the gallery, and monitoring of their concentrations over time using passive pollutant dosimeters such as metal coupons. The survey should be repeated periodically to verify that the level of pollutants is within acceptable limits. This information will help the curatorial staff to take appropriate action if the levels are above acceptable values. It is important to remember that a period of several days may be sufficient to cause damage to an artefact in the presence of a high level of pollutants, but it can take months or even years to achieve the same effect with a lower level of pollutants.

Museum display case are a must for anyone who wants to show off their most prized possessions in an elegant manner. The cases allow them to showcase their items in a variety of ways, from simple portraits and landscapes to more detailed pieces of artwork and memorabilia. They can be mounted on a pedestal, in a free standing space or even on top of a table.