An experimental study of museum showcases in Florence under real operating conditions

The aim of this research was to analyse museum displaycase performanc in three very famous museums of Florence, during their actual operation conditions, by means of experimental monitoring campaign results assessment and comparison. In particular, the boundary conditions (synergic) effects, i.e. thermophysical behaviour of building and exhibition ambient within which the showcase is located, time profiles of space use, high peaks of sensible and latent thermal loads due to visitor influx, on internal microclimate stability and their influence on the showcase efficacy for preventive conservation, were investigated. Findings concerned fundamental indications on how to achieve an optimal control of macro and micro-environment for conservation. Search results highlighted that the efficacy of any kind of display cabinet, to ensure the thermohygrometric conditions at real operative functioning, necessary for Cultural Heritage (CH) protection and conservation, depends on building thermophisycal performance (museum and exhibition room), the presence or absence of a specific type of heating ventilating air conditioning system (HVAC) and its operating and regulation conditions, but, in particular, on the showcase position, use and maintenance.