Security for Art Galleries

Art galleries have different security needs from museums or other facilities that display art.

• Shows change frequently so flexibility and ease of use in a security apparatus is an issue.
• Entrances are open for free movement in and out of the space and are often poorly supervised.
• Works for special or group shows more recently require special security demands by the lender.

Whether “grab and run” or more surreptitious thefts, galleries suffer from a particular vulnerability. Very few have guards or cameras. Whether they do or not works hanging near the entrance are often an invitation to theft. Oftentimes gallery personnel are engaged with a client or on the phone at some distance from the front door.

Art Guard offers several solutions for galleries:

MAP System: The unique protection of Art Guard’s MAP wireless sensors is available in a plug-and-play system that allows for the ultimate in flexibility. The MAP sensors are pre-enrolled in the Art Guard/Helix panel, which can connect directly to a router for IP communication and cellular back, or operate entirely on cellular, for all the conveniences of home automation. Everything can be done from a mobile device. Best of all, changing sensors/magnets to new works or a new show is an easy process. Alerts are completely customizable. An investment in the MAP System also demonstrates to artists and lenders that your gallery is employing the latest technology for 24/7 protection for any works, seated or hanging, entrusted to your care.

Designed for precise protection, scalability and ease-of-use, Art Guard products are also the most affordable object-specific alarm systems in terms of both capital investment and life cycle costs. They can be used on just a few vulnerable works of art, or as a strong layer of protection for an entire exhibit. No other products approach the precision, flexibility and scalability of Art Guard.

You can’t stop the threat, but you CAN stop the act.

FACT: The FBI estimates that annual losses from art theft worldwide amount to 8 billion annually, but most experts agree that the real figure is far greater.

FACT: Only 3-4% of all stolen art is ever recovered.

FACT: Grab-and-run theft accounts for over 50% of art losses.

FACT: Interpol ranks as fourth-largest criminal enterprise after drugs, money laundering and weapons. And recovery rates are abysmally low, about five to eight per cent.

NON-PROFIT GALLERIES

UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE GALLERIES

ART CLUBS

ANTIQUE STORES

PRIVATE DEALERS