Multidisciplinary Environmental Monitoring at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

Abstract

Two multidisciplinary field surveys, one in winter and the other in summer, have monitored the indoor microclimate, the air pollution, the deposition and origin of the suspended particulate matter and the microorganisms of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. These surveys were part of a European project aimed at identifying potential environmental risks for conservation in museums. Experimental methodologies were refined within this study. The project underscores pros and cons of the heating ventilating and air conditioning system, proposing a more effective filtration, since the system seemed to worsen indoor pollution. The impact of mass tourism during a special exhibition was investigated, showing that even a good ventilation is unable to deal with the heat and moisture released by huge crowds. The sources of gaseous and particulate pollution were discussed. Microbiological investigations identified a considerable load of bacteria. The cleaning of paintings by brush is shown to resuspend a considerable amount of particles, which are free to deposit again on the paintings.

Keywords:

• Indoor air quality
• Museum environment
• Microclimate
• Air pollution
• Microbiological contamination
• Mass tourism

Acknowledgments

Thanks are due to the Director General of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Dr. Hofrat Seipel. The research was supported by the European Commission, Programme Environment and Climate, contract ENV4-CT95-088 AER.