The main role in museums and exhibition spaces belongs to exhibit items and objects of art. The main task of lighting designer is to create a suitable light environment for their best representation in such special spaces.

IMPORTANT CRITERIA IN LIGHTING SOLUTIONS FOR MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONAL SPACES

1. Flexible and mobile lighting solutions
One of the features of museum spaces is the often change of expositions. Each new exhibition differs from the previous one, although it is held in the same location. The lighting design solution must take into account constant changes, be mobile and adaptive. There are track lights are usually used in exhibition spaces. They allow you to move lighting equipment quickly and easily in accordance with emerging tasks.

2. Technical capabilities of lighting fixtures and automation systems
Depending on the specific of the exhibition and the features of exhibit items different levels of illumination and brightness, angles of light and shape of the light spot, as well as the choice of color temperature are required. You can achieve the desired effect with the help of luminaires with adjustable parameters, special and interchangeable accessories, and lighting control systems.

3. Integration of luminaires into the architecture
Lighting fixtures should be invisible and “dissolve” in space because exhibit items play a key role in exhibition spaces. At the same time, they must provide the desired levels of illumination and brightness. Modern technologies allow the use of miniature lighting devices with the desired characteristics. It has also become the norm for luminaries’ finishes to be the color suitable for environment. So, lighting systems become an organic and natural part of the architecture of the exhibition space.

4. Quality of light and color rendering
The quality of light and color rendering is especially important for objects of art. For example, looking at paintings the viewer does not want to see chromatic aberrations along the contour of the light spot and be distracted by the visual noise created by lighting fixtures. High color rendering allows you to see the exhibit item in its true color and show all the shades and halftones, which is especially important for artwork. Projectors specially designed for museums and exhibition spaces should not make a temperature influence on art objects that can be damaged (burn out, lose their original colors) by artificial lighting.

5. Contrasts and visual comfort
It is important to consider the magnitude of the contrasts between shadow and light in the museums and exhibition areas. Too sharp contrasts instead of focusing on the exhibit items can create an uncomfortable environment for a person to stay for a long time. High contrast quickly tires the eyes, and bright spots of light make it impossible to see the exposed objects. The amount, sharpness, and direction of shadows are of great importance to perception. It is important to strike a light balance, when a person clearly sees where to look, and also realizes the volume of the room and can orient in it easily. Of course, there may be exceptions provided by the authors of the exhibition: a conscious desire to immerse the visitor in darkness or flood the space with light in order to create a special experience during exhibition. Experienced lighting designers can develop such a lighting solution.

6. Zoning and navigation
With the help of light, it’s possible to form zones in the interior. Lighting highlights certain areas of space that the human eye perceives as separate, even if they are within the same room without partitions. Light can not only visually mark exposure areas, but also build a route to move along. It works in addition to the signs, helping the visitor to follow the scenario conceived by the author of the exhibition to obtain the maximum visual and emotional effect.

7. Multimedia and interactive systems
Modern galleries and museums widely use multimedia and interactive systems. They help to make the space alive, to get acquainted with the exposition in a convenient format. It is easy to interact with them and learn new information in an entertaining way. To create a special atmosphere usually use projectors in addition to touch and interactive tables, stands and kiosks. This multimedia equipment helps to broadcast video content. Also, it can be an independent part of the exposition or lighting solution. Museums have become more audience-friendly over the past few years, also because of the high-tech equipment they use. Interactive solutions attract more visitors. In addition, modern technology becomes an object of admiration.

8. Space as an object of attention
Architectural lighting for museums in a period between exhibitions can become an independent object of attention and exposing item itself. The lighting solution emphasizes the architecture of the space, which remains unnoticed during the exposition period. To achieve the maximum effect, it is recommended to provide a lighting control system and develop lighting scenarios. Then the exposition area will become a point of attraction.