National Museum Oslo

Ventilation is especially important in museums because it protects both people and cultural heritage. For this reason, the National Museum in Oslo has installed a textile-based ventilation solution in the museum's large exhibition space.

Firstly, ventilation ensures a healthy and comfortable indoor climate for visitors and employees. When many people stay in the same room, the level of CO₂ rises, the temperature increases, and the humidity can change rapidly. Without adequate ventilation, the air can feel heavy and headaches, fatigue and malaise can occur. An efficient ventilation system ensures fresh air, stable temperature and a comfortable living environment — even on busy days.

Secondly, ventilation is essential to protect the exhibits themselves. Many museum objects such as paintings, wood, textiles, paper and historical artifacts are very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Too high humidity can lead to mold and decay, while too dry air can dry out and damage the materials. Stable climate control reduces the risk of cracking, deformation and chemical degradation.

In addition, ventilation helps to filter out dust and polluting particles that can otherwise settle on the objects and, over time, cause damage. In modern museums, therefore, the ventilation system is a key part of the conservation strategy and works closely with heating and cooling systems to ensure stable conditions year-round.

In short, ventilation in museums is not just about comfort -- it's also about long-term protection of cultural heritage.

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