There are many cultural treasures that would be lost permanently without museums. Natural catastrophes, wars and time have already taken away much of human creativity, yet art museums are protectors of these fragile paintings, delicate manuscripts and unusual sculptures. And these institutions are more than mere exhibition spaces they are places of preservation where science, history, and creativity collaborate to preserve the past in order to protect the future.
Conserving Masterpieces of Fragility.
Manuscripts, ancient paintings and sculptures are usually too fragile to be left alone to survive. When in the presence of harsh conditions such as paper crumbles, colors fade, and stone cracks. It is in art museums that a controlled environment is offered to delay this natural decay. Through temperature, humidity and air quality measurements, curators are able to develop an environment where even the most delicate pieces can survive centuries to come. To the visitor there may be a beautiful picture on the wall, but behind the beauty there is a system of protection very diligently kept.
The Science of Preservation
Museum preservation is not fate–it is a science. Experts apply state-of-the-art techniques to preserve works of art. An example of such is glass cases, which block dust and other touch-damaging objects, as well as UV-filtered lighting, which reduces pigment fading. Certain pieces have to be kept in climate-controlled storage rooms where all the aspects of the surroundings are controlled 24/7. Such scientific measures are likely to remain unnoticed by the ordinary visitor, though they are necessary to the preservation of masterpieces long beyond our own generation.
Restoration as a Renovation.
Artworks may become damaged, despite the utmost protection, over the course of time. Here, restoration art comes in, where skilled restorers clean up paintings, repair manuscripts and mend broken sculptures, often with techniques that do not damage the original intended image of the artist. The idea is not to restore the artwork but to restore it to its original condition so that it can be perceived by the modern audience the way it was intended to be perceived. Restoration is an art and science that requires a careful balance to keep the cultural treasures inspiring.
Saving History for the Future.
Each of the preserved works has a story behind it, not only about the person who created it, but also about the people and the cultures, and the epoch. Museums preserve the memory and culture of man by preserving the works of man. These treasures will help the future generations to study how their parents lived, thought, and expressed themselves. By so doing the idea of preservation is not merely about conservation but also imparting knowledge and identity to the next generation.