Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper”: a case study to evaluate the influence of visitors on the Museum preservation systems

A novel methodology using stable carbon isotopic ratio of CO2 and NH3 concentration reveals the significant impact of visitors on indoor air quality in museums, offering real-time monitoring capabilities. The study, conducted at the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy—home to Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Last Supper'—demonstrated a strong correlation between visitor presence and variations in δ13C values and NH3 levels. These findings highlight how tourists influence atmospheric conditions, providing critical insights for optimizing museum preservation systems. The approach suggests potential applications for calibrating ventilation rates and air filtration, thereby enhancing the protection of valuable artworks while managing visitor flow.

Motta, O., Pironti, C., Ricciardi, M., Rostagno, C., Bolzacchini, E., Ferrero, L., Cucciniello, R., & Proto, A. (2021). Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper”: a case study to evaluate the influence of visitors on the Museum preservation systems. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(20), 29391–29398. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13741-9