Determining the Acceptable Ranges of Relative Humidity and Temperature in Museums and Galleries, Part 2, Structural Response to Temperature

Abstract

Most exhibition spaces in museum and galleries set the temperature for the comfort of the visitors and staff. Altering this temperature can have a significant effect on the long term stability of the collections. This is universally true for museum collections since elevated temperatures increase the chemical processes that promote deterioration. By promoting deterioration, high temperatures weaken the structure of all materials. The converse is true in that lower temperatures can reduce chemical deterioration and enhance chemical and mechanical stability. However there are significant limitations in allowing lower temperatures. This section will focus on the effects of lower temperatures.