Protecting public artwork and exhibits

09 October 2025

Reduce the risk of damage by reviewing your security arrangements regularly and taking a few simple, sensible steps.

In this article:

Steps you can take
Further resources

There have been several high-profile protests in the last few years involving iconic artworks in museums and heritage sites.

The question is, how can we protect these assets when traditional approaches seem no match for determined protestors intent on generating media attention?

Steps you can take

Each location is different, so we recommend a bespoke approach based on your own security assessment. But in general, there are several things you can do to protect assets from the risk of attack, including:

Position staff in high-risk areas so they can respond quickly to an incident.
Train staff and volunteers to recognise unusual visitor behaviour. Offenders may plan their attack by scouting out the premises first. Report suspicious or unusual activity to security or senior staff immediately.
Introduce bag or package inspections at entry points - and potentially at exit points too.
Consider asking for visitor bags to be deposited upon entry. This stops people carrying bulky materials or objects that can be used to cause damage.
Introduce a visitor behaviour code, including a “no touching of exhibits” policy. Make clear that visitors who don’t follow the rules can be asked to leave.
Protect important paintings with a glazed panel to help minimise damage.
Rope off items of significant value or interest. Use proximity alarm systems to let stewards know if somebody enters a restricted area.
For especially important exhibits, restrict visitor numbers and limit the number of people in the area at any one time.
Closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) can be a valuable deterrent against damage or theft. Keep system recordings for at least 30 days. But remember, you’ll need to follow the latest Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) guidance on the use of these systems and comply with relevant Data Protection legislation.
Good lighting can discourage criminal actions, especially in quieter areas. Use sensors to highlight movement in these areas and draw the attention of staff.
Check the condition of items before you open or close. If you notice any damage, introduce additional security or even consider removing the piece.
Protect items in the open - often statues - with temporary boarding, electronic security (alarms, remote surveillance systems) and/or security patrols. If you’re still concerned, consider moving the item to a more secure spot.
Whatever security arrangements are in place, it’s important to complete regular audits. Use them to check and improve processes and ensure everyone understands what to do in the event of an incident.
Audits should review staffing arrangements, along with physical and electronic security. Thorough reviews will help show lending institutions and insurers that appropriate security arrangements are in place.