Museums
Monitoring activity in museums, where extremely valuable collections are often stored and displayed, is a necessary undertaking. High-priced works of art are prime targets for theft. The proper video surveillance system can go a long way in protecting a museum's collections from acts of thievery and vandalism.
View blog posts relating to museum video surveillance.
What best describes your Museum surveillance needs?
Benefits of Museum Surveillance Equipment
- Easy installation – IP (Internet Protocol) surveillance technology offers easy-to-install systems with outstanding flexibility. Cameras can be positioned throughout the museum, communicating through an IP network with no need for complicated wiring setups.
- Remote access – An NVR (network video recorder) allows for remote viewing over the Internet. Security workers can monitor surveillance footage and even control security cameras from any computer with Internet access.
- Prevent theft – Security cameras can tightly monitor display areas, storage rooms, and other locations throughout a museum, watching for suspicious activity and potential theft.
- Watch for employee theft – The threat of employee theft exists. Video surveillance keeps a close watch on all areas of a museum, and can deter employees from turning to the dark side.
- Prevent vandalism – Unfortunately, defacement of art can be a problem in a museum, where pieces are displayed right within the public's reach. Security cameras can deter such acts of vandalism and enable workers to spot potential threats.
Risks of Exhibition Security Cameras
- Privacy – It's beneficial to mount security cameras in wide array of location throughout a museum, however private areas such as bathrooms are considered by most to be off limits when it comes to video surveillance.
- Vandalism and damage – Cameras mounted in public places could suffer potential damage from tampering. Backup security measures should be in place in case a camera signal is lost.
Configuration Questions for Gallery CCTV
A museum's contents hold more than just substantial monetary value. One-of-a-kind works of art are irreplaceable, and their protection is of the utmost importance. Consider the following factors when determining the proper video surveillance setup for your museum:
- What are the museum's largest security threats?
- Is the facility well-staffed with security workers?
- What type of existing security setup does the museum have in place?
- How are collections displayed in the facility?
- Are there storage rooms containing collections not on display?
- Do you staff security at all entrances and exits?
- Is there a history of theft at the museum?
- Have there been instances of vandalism?
- Is employee theft a strong concern?
- What areas of the museum are most susceptible to theft and vandalism?
- What is the value of the collections on display?
- What areas of the museum hold its most valuable pieces?
How to Set Up Art Show Surveillance
- Position cameras at entrances and exits to monitor those entering and leaving the museum, gallery or exhibition hall.
- Mount cameras to provide full views of all rooms containing collections.
- Pay special attention to areas containing highly valuable works.
- Have proper surveillance for storage areas containing additional items and collections.
- Monitor load-in/load-out areas.
