A Modern Light on Ancient Heroes

Step into the light and into the arena, at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. ERCO, together with Arup, have integrated new, flexible lighting solutions, to the Special Exhibitions Gallery. The considered luminaires, breathe new life and drama to the latest exhibition, “Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum”. This immersive exhibition created in collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Expona, and Contemporanea Progetti, transports visitors to the heart of ancient Rome and showcases rare artefacts, detailed models, and life-size figures that tell the story of gladiatorial combat and spectacle.

Lighting concept: balancing atmosphere and accessibility

The gallery required a lighting solution that could evoke the scale and intensity of Roman arenas while meeting demanding standards of accessibility, conservation and adaptability. With ERCO’s substantial experience in museum and gallery lighting, and ethos that light is a medium for architecture, exhibition and social space, they were specified to bring modern illumination to these ancient heroes.

In close coordination with the museum’s exhibitions, conservation and facilities teams, ERCO and Arup, together with Contemporanea Progetti, developed a lighting strategy that delivers both aesthetic impact and technical performance. Previously, the space lacked sufficient control and flexibility. Now, with ERCO luminaires paired with Casambi Technologies wireless control, the exhibition team can fine-tune light intensity, color temperature and scene programming to suit the current display and future exhibitions.

“Since installation we can control every aspect of the lighting and tailor it to each exhibition’s unique requirements. It has elevated the visitor experience and revealed the power of lighting in bringing stories and objects to life,’’ says Rose Bibby, Exhibitions and Display Officer at the Royal Armouries.

Rose Bibby, Exhibitions and Display Officer at the Royal Armouries

Integrating light for security and protection

In addition to its curatorial and aesthetic functions, the new lighting system also supports the museum’s security strategy. Through programmable scene settings, staff can instantly adjust light levels for opening, visitor hours, and after-hours conditions. Low-level illumination during non-public times ensures sufficient visibility for surveillance and housekeeping while protecting sensitive artefacts. This intelligent use of light enhances both security and conservation, demonstrating how a well-designed lighting system can serve multiple operational needs.

Storytelling through light

ERCO’s Optec New and Eclipse RGBW spotlights are used to illuminate key exhibition pieces, from the intricate miniature Colosseum and stone artefacts to the dynamic life-size models of gladiators. High color rendering enhances the material texture and craftsmanship of each object, while the RGBW capability allows for subtle shifts in tone and mood, enhancing the narrative drama, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in this time in history. Throughout the exhibition, cooler 4000K light highlights the texture of stone artefacts, while warmer 3000K tones bring the life-sized gladiators to life, creating an atmosphere that recalls the ancient world.

Creating spatial rhythm and visitor comfort

To ensure visual comfort and cohesion throughout the gallery, Jilly track downlights provide soft, uniform illumination at the entrance and along walkways. The lighting is precisely directed where it is needed, without glare, ensuring clear legibility of signage and intuitive wayfinding for visitors.

Another aspect of the gallery space was the challenging ceiling height. This was overcome, with the combination of precise optics and high-efficiency control, using Optec New and Eclipse spotlights, ensuring consistent illumination levels across all zones.

Sustainable design for the future

In addition to delivering striking visual results, the new lighting scheme significantly improves operational efficiency. With controllable lux levels, reduced maintenance demands, and long product lifetimes, the system supports durability and offers full adaptability for future exhibitions.

“This project demonstrates the power of thoughtful lighting to transform both space and experience,” says Steve Redhead, Senior Project Manager at ERCO. “From highlighting the intricate detail of the artefacts to creating immersive atmospheres around the life-sized gladiators, every aspect of the scheme was carefully considered. By combining technical precision with flexibility, we have delivered a solution that enhances the visitor journey, supports the museum’s operational needs, and ensures the exhibition space will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.”