BS EN 15999-2:2025 - Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Guidelines for Design of Showcases for Exhibition and Preservation of Objects: Technical Aspects

Preserving cultural heritage is a responsibility that transcends generations, and the BS EN 15999-2:2025 standard is an essential tool for professionals in the field of conservation. This comprehensive guideline provides detailed instructions on the design of showcases that are crucial for both the exhibition and preservation of valuable objects. Released on June 26, 2025, this standard is a must-have for museums, galleries, and any institution dedicated to the protection of cultural artifacts.

Key Features of BS EN 15999-2:2025

• Standard Number: BS EN 15999-2:2025
• Pages: 52
• Release Date: June 26, 2025
• ISBN: 978 0 539 36221 3
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard is Essential

The BS EN 15999-2:2025 standard is designed to address the technical aspects of showcase design, ensuring that objects are not only displayed attractively but also preserved in optimal conditions. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of cultural artifacts, which are often irreplaceable.

With 52 pages of in-depth guidelines, this standard covers a wide range of technical considerations, including materials, environmental controls, and security measures. It provides a framework for creating showcases that protect against environmental factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure, all of which can cause significant damage to sensitive materials.

Comprehensive Guidelines for Showcase Design

The guidelines outlined in BS EN 15999-2:2025 are meticulously crafted to ensure that every aspect of showcase design is considered. This includes:

• Material Selection: Recommendations for materials that are non-reactive and safe for long-term contact with artifacts.
• Environmental Control: Strategies for maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels within showcases.
• Lighting: Guidelines for lighting that minimizes UV exposure while enhancing the visibility of objects.
• Security: Measures to protect against theft and vandalism, ensuring the safety of valuable items.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is invaluable for a wide range of professionals involved in the conservation and exhibition of cultural heritage, including:

• Museum Curators
• Conservation Specialists
• Exhibition Designers
• Architects and Engineers working on cultural projects

Enhancing Cultural Heritage Preservation

By adhering to the BS EN 15999-2:2025 standard, institutions can significantly enhance their preservation efforts, ensuring that cultural heritage is safeguarded for future generations. The guidelines provide a robust framework for designing showcases that not only display objects beautifully but also protect them from the myriad of risks they face.

Investing in this standard is an investment in the future of cultural heritage. It empowers professionals to make informed decisions that balance aesthetic presentation with the critical need for preservation.

Conclusion

The BS EN 15999-2:2025 standard is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the conservation of cultural heritage. Its comprehensive guidelines ensure that showcases are designed to the highest standards, providing both aesthetic appeal and essential protection for valuable objects. By implementing these guidelines, institutions can confidently display their collections, knowing they are preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

BS EN 15999-2:2025

This standard BS EN 15999-2:2025 Conservation of cultural heritage. Guidelines for design of showcases for exhibition and preservation of objects is classified in these ICS categories:

• 97.195 Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage

This document classifies properties of passive showcases of cultural heritage objects for better preservation. It applies to most uses of the showcase: showcases for so called permanent or temporary exhibitions, historical or modular showcases, showcases in uncontrolled ambient environment, etc. It specifies how the performance of the showcase for the safe and secure display ⁠- as derived from needs identified during the risk assessment approach described in EN 15999-1:2025 - can be technically assessed by using classified properties. Aspects of active showcases (those using electricity to directly condition their microclimates) and anoxic showcases (those containing inert atmospheres instead of air) are mentioned in this document, but their properties are not defined, nor classified.