The picture gallery at the Kulturforum has already lowered the temperature Photo: Timo Beurich
By Bettina Goemener
Klaus Biesenbach, Director of the New National Gallery, brought museums into play as places to warm up. “I welcome anyone who wants to spend the winter in the museum because of the harsh winter with open arms.” But you have to be content with 19 degrees.
Because his house like other houses of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK) as well as stages and cinemas have to save the 20 percent energy specified by the federal government.
“That’s why we’re gradually lowering the temperatures from 20-22 to 19 degrees. This has already happened in the Hamburger Bahnhof and in the picture gallery. The Donatello show is an exception,” says SPK Vice President Gero Dinter. The well-being of visitors is still a priority.
It’s also getting a little cooler for visitors in the Hamburger Bahnhof Photo: Siegfried Purschke
And what do 19 degrees do with art? “As long as the relative humidity remains constant for the works, this is justifiable from a conservation point of view. In the foyers, which visitors enter with coats and jackets, it is also possible to save on heating,” explains SPK spokeswoman Birgit Jöbstl.
In the depot area, where less climate-sensitive works are not moved for a longer period of time, the temperature drops to 17 degrees in winter.