Museum Security – Security measures between technology and the human factor

After yet another high-profile theft — this time at the Louvre in Paris — it is more urgent than ever to pause and reflect, once again, on how to effectively protect our cultural heritage.

Museums, as guardians of collective memory and identity, continue to be targets of crimes that have repeated throughout history, from ancient times to the present day. 

Carlotta Predosin, Art Security Manager and passionate advocate for cultural heritage protection, offers valuable insights into the risks associated with museum security and how to mitigate them effectively.
 

Risk Mitigation: A Strategic Approach
 

Risk mitigation encompasses all activities aimed at preventing and containing potentially harmful situations. It begins with identifying a specific risk, analyzing it, and transforming it into a calculated, manageable, and mitigated risk.

To do this effectively, three key parameters must be balanced:
 

• The efficiency of active and passive security measures;
• The rigorous application of procedures and organizational measures;
• The adequacy and training of human resources involved.

Active Security Measures
 

Active security measures are designed to promptly detect emerging threats that could cause damage. These include electronic, electrical, and telematic systems capable of:
 

• Monitoring the environment through sensors that activate when predefined conditions change;
• Processing collected data and transmitting it to a surveillance center;
• Generating real-time alerts, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and proper system functionality.
   

Ensuring the consistent maintenance and operational efficiency of these systems is crucial — a malfunctioning device is equivalent to leaving the door open to the very heritage we aim to protect.

Passive Security Measures

Alongside active systems, passive security measures play a vital role in physically resisting intrusion or aggression. These do not detect threats but hinder their execution, delaying attacks and buying valuable time for security intervention.

Passive measures include:
 

• Physical barriers such as reinforced doors, shatterproof display cases, grilles, and high-security locks;
• Containment and protection systems for artworks, such as reinforced showcases and anchored supports;
• Architectural designs that limit unauthorized access and guide visitor flow.

Their effectiveness depends on material quality, thoughtful design, and seamless integration with active systems. In a well-balanced museum security strategy, passive measures form the first line of defense against physical threats.

Procedures and the Human Factor

Active and passive security systems must be complemented by the rigorous implementation of procedures and organizational measures, tailored to each museum’s unique characteristics. Every institution requires a customized security plan that considers the specific artworks, spatial layout, and available resources.

We must also consider that a museum is often subject to maintenance, renovation, or reinstallation work, which can alter its risk profile — such as when a construction site is activated. In such cases, it is essential to assess whether the risk has increased and to update or adapt the security plan accordingly, in line with the new exposure to risk.

Moreover, it is always necessary to identify which objects are most attractive to theft — such as valuable items (e.g., jewelry), assets of high cultural or financial value, or small, easily removable objects — and to protect them with targeted measures.

In this context, the human factor is decisive. Even the most advanced technology cannot replace the competence, responsiveness, and accountability of those operating on the ground. Museum security is a team effort: active systems, passive measures, and human resources must work in synergy.

All staff members, at every level, must be involved and properly trained to identify and manage potential vulnerabilities.

Training, Testing, and Continuous Improvement

Ongoing, certified training is essential: learning, staying updated, and sharing best practices with other professionals and stakeholders are key components of an effective strategy.

Equally important are tests and simulations: what is planned on paper must be practiced in real scenarios, involving all personnel. This helps identify oversights, weaknesses, or unclear procedures — and correct them before they become real risks.

Finally, it is vital to recognize and support staff contributions: reward attentiveness and competence, offer constructive feedback, and address shortcomings firmly. Security is a shared responsibility, built together and strengthened through learning from mistakes.

Facility Report: A Strategic Tool

To conclude, we offer access to the guidelines prepared by Cristina Resti, Art Expert and Art Network Manager at ARTE Generali, focused on the Facility Report: a fundamental and accessible tool for assessing the condition and performance of buildings that host collections and visitors.

The Facility Report covers essential aspects such as:
 

• The building’s construction type;
• Its management and maintenance;
• The security measures in place.
   

Beyond its technical function, the Facility Report plays a key role in communication and interdisciplinary collaboration:

It helps managers monitor security components and collaborate with professionals such as risk managers, conservators, and curators

It provides lenders with critical information about protection measures when loaning artworks

It serves as a reference for operators and service providers, including insurance companies, guiding them in understanding the building’s characteristics and organization.