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Video Surveillance in 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.

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.