Attachment-M_NPS_Standards_for_Museum_Exhibit_Display_Conditions.pdf

NPS Standards for Museum Exhibit Display Conditions

Temperature

64-68°F recommended; NTE 75°F.

Temperatures should be kept as level as possible, as they affect relative humidity levels.

Relative Humidity

Archeological Materials Negligible Climate-Sensitive Materials 30%-65% Climate Sensitive Materials 30%-55% Significantly Climate Sensitive Materials 30%-40% Metals <35% Natural History Materials Biological Specimens 40%-60% Bone and Teeth 45%-60% Paleontological Specimens 45%-55% Pyrite Specimens <30% Paintings 40%-65% Paper 45%-55% Photographs/Film/Negatives 30%-40% Other Organics (Wood, Leather, Textiles, Ivory) 45%-60% Metals <35% Ceramics, Glass, Stone 40%-60%

RH should not fluctuate more than ±5% from a setpoint each month.

For exhibits containing a variety of media, 50% RH is often recommended as a setpoint.

Light

Especially Light-Sensitive Materials 50 lux maximum Including: Dyed Organic Materials Textiles Watercolors Photographs and Blueprints Tapestries Prints and Drawings Manuscripts Leather Wallpapers Biological Specimens Fur Feathers

Less Light-Sensitive Materials 200 lux maximum Including: Undyed Organic Materials Oil and Tempera Paintings Finished Wood Surfaces

Other Materials 300 lux maximum Including: Metals Stone Ceramics Some Glass

All UV should be eliminated.