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Why do museums need to control light humidity and temperature when displaying artworks?

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Neue Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart, designed by Sir James Stirling, featuring tan stone walls, a slanted green-framed glass window, and colorful blue and pink railings. — Museum of modern art The New State Gallery (Neue Staatsgalerie), Stuttgart, Germany, designed by James Stirling, completed in 1984.

Museums must strictly control light, humidity, and temperature to delay the natural laws of deterioration and preserve collections for the future. Because many materials used in art are inherently unstable, they undergo chemical or structural changes as they age, and an unstable environment can significantly accelerate this process.1

Humidity and Temperature

Many organic materials, such as wood, ivory, and paper, are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb and release moisture from the air. Fluctuations in relative humidity cause these materials to expand and contract, which can lead to warping, cracking, splitting, or the separation of veneers and paint layers. Furthermore, high humidity levels encourage the growth of mold and the decomposition of organic binders, glues, and fabrics, while also promoting the corrosion of metal fittings. Maintaining stable, moderate temperature and humidity ranges is essential to prevent these structural stresses and biological infestations.234

Light Exposure

Light, particularly the ultraviolet spectrum, causes cumulative and irreversible damage to artworks. Prolonged exposure leads to the fading of colorants, bleaching of surfaces, and the discoloration of materials like wood and paper. By limiting light intensity and filtering out harmful radiation, museums protect the artist's original intent and prevent the loss of detail and depth.432