Influence of microclimate control scenarios on energy consumption in the Gallery of the 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice (the former Cloth Hall) of The National Museum in Krakow

A study on the Historic Centre of Kraków reveals that achieving optimal microclimate control for preserving historic collections can significantly impact energy consumption. The research, conducted using hygrothermal simulations and in situ measurements with WUFI®PLUS software, analyzed various scenarios for the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art located in the Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Findings indicate that balancing strict microclimate control—crucial for preventing damage to artifacts—with energy efficiency is complex and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. The study, supported by the HERIVERDE project, highlights the need for guidelines based on ASHRAE and ICOM-IIC recommendations to minimize energy use while ensuring optimal conditions for conservation.

Sadłowska-Sałęga, A., Radoń, J., Sobczyk, J., & Wąs, K. (2018). Influence of microclimate control scenarios on energy consumption in the Gallery of the 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice (the former Cloth Hall) of The National Museum in Krakow. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 415, 12026. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/415/1/012026