Lighting Tips for Museums and Art Galleries

Lighting in Museums and Art Galleries: How to choose the best option

Lighting in museums and art galleries is essential to highlight the image and artistic value of the pieces on display and to provide a pleasant experience for the public.

To achieve the best result, several factors must be considered, including the technology used, the quality of light, the energy efficiency and color temperature of the light, and the ability to preserve the works of art.

LED technology is one of the most indicated, because it offers high energy efficiency, cost reduction, and greater fidelity in the reproduction of colors, through the color rendering index (CRI). Compared to halogen lighting, the use of LEDs decreases by 80% the emission of heat and the non-presence of UV rays allows the conservation of the pieces.

These are just some of the factors crucial to the success of any interior lighting project.

Focus lighting systems have been gaining prominence in the lighting of museums and art galleries, with a simple design that allows them to be adapted to the projects. Equipped with adjustable and flexible spotlights, this type of luminaire is ideal for highlighting the key points of an exhibition and prioritizing its elements, creating shadows and depths that will guide the public’s experience. Ideally, the angle of incidence should remain at 30°, thus avoiding glare caused by reflections from shiny surfaces.

Recessed lighting fixtures are also a good option for mood lighting. Besides ensuring a discreet and minimalist look, the luminous flux keeps the lighting uniform throughout the space, something essential for areas that require greater concentration of the public.

To illuminate a segment dedicated to the exhibition of artifacts, reflective lenses are the best option. In this project located in the Museu da Farmácia in Oporto, the use of Infinity XSlim Surface with Reflectors was crucial for a good illumination of the pieces. In addition to directing the luminous flux towards the highlighted objects, this luminaire reduces light dispersion thanks to its 24º opening angle.

Above all, when planning a lighting project for museums or art exhibition spaces, the focus should be on enhancing the public’s experience, making it as pleasant as possible.