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The Shanghai Museum and ERCO lighting: A Legacy of Collaboration
The Shanghai Museum, established in 1952, stands as a premier institution dedicated to ancient Chinese art. Situated at No. 201 Ren Min Da Dao on People's Square, its collection encompasses nearly 1,020,000 items across 33 categories, including 140,000 nationally graded treasures. This comprehensive collection offers a profound insight into the breadth and depth of Chinese material culture.
The relationship between the Shanghai Museum and ERCO lighting spans over three decades, beginning with the use of ERCO's halogen lights. In recent years, the museum has utilized ERCO's LED luminaires for testing in temporary exhibitions, demonstrating a continued commitment to advanced lighting solutions.
Looking ahead, the Shanghai Museum will expand its presence across three sites: Shanghai Museum East, Shanghai Museum on People's Square, and Shanghai Museum North. Shanghai Museum East will house permanent displays of China's historical artifacts, while the other locations will focus on presenting special exhibitions highlighting diverse global cultures. ERCO lighting is now prominently featured in Shanghai Museum East.
On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt Exhibition
From July 19, 2024, to August 17, 2025, the Shanghai Museum on People's Square (Exhibition Gallery, 1st Floor) will host On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt, an exhibition illuminated by ERCO.
This exhibition marks a significant milestone, being the first collaboration between a Chinese state-run museum and the Egyptian government, the largest exhibition of Egyptian artifacts ever held outside Egypt, and the highest-level exhibition of its kind in Asia.
Illuminating History: A Delicate Balance of Preservation and Presentation
The On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt exhibition at the Shanghai Museum showcases a carefully curated lighting design that harmonizes the critical needs of artifact preservation with the desire to create a visually compelling experience. Recognizing the inherent fragility of ancient Egyptian artifacts, particularly those composed of organic materials and pigments, the exhibition prioritizes conservation. To mitigate the risk of photodegradation, a strategy of low lux levels is implemented throughout, ensuring the artifacts remain visible while minimizing potential damage from light exposure.
For precision showcasing, ERCO’s Axis luminaires are employed within display cases. Engineered for the illumination of sensitive objects, Axis emit no UV light and boast an exceptionally low damage factor, ranging from 0.140 to 0.187mW/lm. Their superior beam control meticulously highlights the intricate details of each artifact, while the system’s adaptability allows for seamless adjustments to accommodate the diverse dimensions and characteristics of the displays.
Larger artifacts, such as monumental sculptures and sarcophagi, are illuminated using ERCO's Parscan and Optec spotlights. These robust and versatile lighting solutions provide ample illumination while maintaining precise control over beam direction and intensity. By strategically placing the light sources outside the display cases, the design minimizes reflections and glare, ensuring visitors enjoy unobstructed and clear views of these impressive pieces.
A crucial aspect of the exhibition's lighting strategy is the implementation of a 30-degree museum lighting angle. This technique involves positioning the light sources at a 30-degree angle relative to the vertical plane of the artifacts. This approach effectively reduces shadows, revealing the three-dimensional form and intricate surface details of the objects. It also minimizes distracting reflections, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry of the artifacts.
To create a cohesive and visually pleasing environment, a consistent colour temperature of 3000K is employed throughout the exhibition. This warm, neutral white light complements the predominantly warm tones of the ancient Egyptian artifacts, enhancing their natural colours and textures. This uniformity in colour temperature guides visitors through the exhibition, fostering a sense of continuity and visual harmony.
