The spotlight
Did you know that there are more museums in the U.S. than there are Starbucks and McDonald’s combined? Within walking distance of the Grist office in downtown Seattle, you can find a pinball museum, an NFT museum, a museum inspired by Jimi Hendrix, and Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry, just to name a few. From small mom-and-pop museums to large institutions like The Met and The Smithsonian, museums are considered trustworthy sources of information and stewards of cultural artifacts. However, due to the valuable objects they house, museums often have significant carbon footprints and are vulnerable to climate impacts.
Caitlin Southwick, a former art conservator who now runs the organization Ki Culture, emphasizes the environmental challenges faced by museums. Strict regulations on temperature and humidity to preserve collections result in high energy use, contributing to climate change. Additionally, cleaning and restoring artworks often involve toxic chemicals. As climate change intensifies, museums are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions to reduce their impact.
Leslie Tom, the chief sustainability officer at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, has led efforts to digitize the museum and incorporate sustainability goals. By creating a digital twin of the building with real-time sensor data, the museum aims to improve energy efficiency and enhance visitor experiences. Some museums have reduced energy use by allowing wider temperature and humidity fluctuations in their buildings. This approach challenges traditional conservation practices but can lead to significant energy savings.
By acclimatizing artifacts to shifting temperatures and monitoring environmental conditions closely, museums like The Wright are adapting to climate challenges. As extreme weather events become more common, cultural institutions are taking proactive measures to protect their collections. With new technologies and innovative conservation practices, museums are striving to minimize their carbon footprint and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
