High Security:

High security is required for exhibitions containing objects that are of special cultural significance, highly valuable, sensitive to light or climatic changes in humidity and temperature, or of an especially fragile nature. This includes archaeological treasures, antiques, works of art, and original materials, especially those made of paper, wood, textiles, jewels, gold, silver, and other precious metals. Exhibitions that include significant numbers of technical, audiovisual, or interactive elements may also be designated high security.

The following conditions must be met by organizations desiring to display high security exhibitions:

Space
• Limited-access gallery of sufficient area and ceiling height to accommodate the exhibition.
• Locked, environmentally stable interior exhibition storage and staging areas.

Protection
• Trained, professional guards in sufficient number to protect objects adequately throughout the time that the exhibition is on site: during the unpacking, installation, de-installation, and repacking as well as during the actual showing of the exhibition to provide crowd control. Guards need to be armed.
• Provisions to prevent the public from touching non-enclosed objects through an appropriate hanging system, the use of stanchions, rails, platforms, electronic devices, and/or guard supervision.
• Locked and/or alarmed cases for small objects. Acrylic cases are acceptable for high security exhibitions, provided they are no less than 3/8inch thickness, are adequately alarmed (impact and/or tamper), and are secured to the walls or base cabinets.
• Handling of objects during unpacking, installation, and repacking by curatorial, registrarial, or conservation staff, or by trained experienced museum professionals.
• Exhibition area must be locked and secure during closing hours. Alarm and/or guard surveillance during closing hours is required.
• Fire systems and other fire protection devices according to local ordinances and subject to ValentineNewYork' approval.

Environmental Control
• Temperature and light controls are required for all exhibitions in this category. Light, temperature, and humidity must be adjustable to specified levels when required. Standard levels are 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and 45 to 50 percent relative humidity. Light levels may be specified between 5 an 15 foot-candles.

Limited Security : Moderate Security : High Security