Climate Adaptation in Museums

Cultural institutions are increasingly affected by the consequences of the climate crisis: extreme weather events such as heavy rains, floods, storms, heat waves and droughts cause damage to museum buildings, collections and outdoor facilities. Art objects, books and archive materials suffer from temperature fluctuations, high humidity or dryness. Climate change-related damage is already incurring high costs. It is essential that museums adapt to the impacts of climate change in order to continue fulfilling their future tasks – preservation, exhibition and education.

In a pilot project run by the State Office for Museums in Baden-Württemberg, a selection of museums are being supported in dealing with these climate change-related changes. The objectives of the project are: to build knowledge in the areas of climate change impacts and climate risks in museums, to develop climate adaptation concepts and a guideline, and to promote exchange among the museums. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP).

Participating museums:

• German Butchery Museum with the Peasants' War Museum in Böblingen (in tandem)
• Open-Air Museum Neuhausen op Eck
• Black Forest Open-Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof
• Pforzheim Gallery
• Museum of the Palatinate Heidelberg
• Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen