The new permanent exhibition in the Residenzschloss
The exhibition ‘Masks and Crowns. Court festival culture and representation of power’ at the Residenzschloss Dresden brings an important chapter in European festive and court culture to life once again. In the elaborately restored and partially reconstructed ceremonial halls on the second floor – the Grand Ballroom and the Propositions Hall – the Dresden State Art Collections are presenting a long-term exhibition featuring over 400 exhibits from the Armoury and other collections.
Role and challenge
The extraordinary variety of materials used in the exhibits placed high demands on the construction of the display cases, the technical systems and preventive conservation. Delicate works of art made from a range of materials had to be securely protected, stored in a way that ensured their long-term stability, and at the same time presented in a striking manner.
The requirements were for display case solutions featuring a high level of airtightness, active air circulation, air filtration, certified freedom from harmful substances, anti-reflective glazing and precise LED museum lighting.
Preservation safety and certified freedom from harmful substances
Proving that the design was suitable for the exhibit proved particularly challenging. To this end, all materials used were tested in accordance with the BEMMA scheme. In addition, the interior of the fully assembled display cases was also examined to verify that the entire system was free from harmful substances.
This involved assessing not only the suitability of individual materials, but also the low-emission interaction of all components within the fully assembled museum display case.
Museum display cases in a historic room
A further challenge lay in integrating the display cases and exhibition elements into the historic architecture of the reconstructed banquet halls. The solutions needed to be technically effective, to take a back seat in terms of design, and at the same time to enhance the impact of the rooms and the exhibits.
Solution and result
REIER was responsible for the design, manufacture and installation of a large number of museum display cases and exhibition elements.
For the Grand Ballroom, two spacious, multi-element freestanding display case installations were created, along with a monumental wall of paintings. For the Proposition Hall, REIER produced seven large freestanding display cases, a spacious flat display cases with two separate exhibition areas for flat textiles, a combination of plinth and display cases featuring scenic backdrops and bust plinths, a media unit and other exhibition elements.
Museum technology for conservation and display
REIER’s bespoke display cases combine conservation protection, high security and optimum viewing quality. Anti-reflective safety glass, active air circulation, filter technology, integrated alarm contacts, precision locking systems and finely adjustable LED spotlights create stable conditions for valuable works of art and cultural artefacts.
At the same time, the solutions – which are harmonised in terms of both technology and design – enable the exhibits to be presented clearly and brilliantly.
Planning and manufacturing from a single source
As a German display case manufacturer, REIER contributed its exceptional in-house production capabilities to the project. The scope of services ranged from technical planning and design, through glass processing, metalwork and joinery, surface finishing and electrical engineering, to on-site assembly and installation.
The result was a holistic exhibition solution that is precisely tailored to the exhibits, the historic rooms, the design concept and the conservation requirements.
Sustainability and long-term operation
The exhibition is designed to be a long-term project. Accordingly, the display cases and exhibition elements have been designed with durability, ease of maintenance and safe museum operations in mind.
Well-documented materials, accessible technical components, detailed operating and care instructions, and robust construction all contribute to a long service life. With proper care and regular maintenance, the display cases can be used for decades.
Low-emission materials and energy-efficient technology
Comprehensive testing for harmful substances in accordance with BEMMA, the inspection of fully assembled display cases, energy-efficient LED lighting, low-emission surfaces and active air filtration all help to reduce conservation risks.
In this way, these precious artefacts of courtly festive culture are not only presented to great effect, but also preserved for the long term and in a sustainable manner.
Recyclable components
The project remains true to the principle of sustainability even beyond its useful life. The components used can be recycled at the end of their product life cycle.
In this way, REIER combines durable display case technology with the responsible use of materials and a resource-conserving approach.
Expertise in the construction of sophisticated museum display cases
With this project, REIER demonstrates its expertise in the construction of sophisticated display cases for museums: precision museum technology and engineering excellence ‘made in Germany’ – developed for sensitive exhibits, complex exhibition spaces and presentation solutions that convincingly combine protection, functionality and aesthetics.
