Protecting public artwork and exhibits

27 March 2023

Reviewing your security arrangements on a regular basis and taking sensible steps, can reduce the risk of damage to valuable items by members of the public.

Two ornate golden frames hang on a grey wall.


There have been several high-profile protests involving iconic art works and statues in museums and heritage sites. How can we protect these assets whilst allowing visitors to learn about them and enjoy them?

In 2022, “Just Stop Oil” protestors glued themselves to van Gogh’s famous “Peach Trees in Blossom” painting in London’s Courtauld Gallery, causing substantial damage. The same group also announced they were considering slashing famous works of art to get their message across. 

Similar incidents have occurred at the National Gallery where damage was caused to the John Constable masterpiece “The Hay Wain” and demonstrators threw soup at Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting. And historic statues have been removed from heritage sites and defaced by anti-slavery campaigners.  

Most traditional approaches to securing assets will provide limited protection against malicious actions from individuals. Actions may be rapid and impulsive, possibly intent on generating media attention linked to a protest.

Each location will face different challenges, so we recommend a bespoke approach based on your own security assessment. There are several measures you can take to help protect assets from the risk of attack, including the following:

  • Position staff in high-risk areas, identified from your assessment, 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 and possibly exit points from the premises.
  • Consider asking for visitor bags to be deposited upon entry. This restricts the potential use of materials or objects that may cause damage.
  • Develop and introduce a visitor behaviour code. Cover what is expected during a visit, including no touching of exhibits. The code should indicate visitors might be asked to leave if they do not comply.
  • Important paintings should be protected by a glazed panel to help minimise damage from an attack.
  • Rope off items of significant value or interest to act as a physical barrier. Proximity alarm systems can provide immediate alerts to stewards if an area is entered.
  • For some exhibits, restrict visitor numbers by limiting the number of people in an area at any one time. Especially for important works on display or in light of environmental factors.
  • Closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) can be a valuable deterrent against damage or theft. Keep system recordings for at least 30 days. You will need to follow the Information Commission Office’s (ICO) latest guidance on the use of these systems. Check what needs to be in place for your CCTV system to comply with Data Protection legislation.
  • Adequate lighting can discourage criminal actions, especially in areas less frequently visited or patrolled. Sensors can highlight movement in these areas drawing the attention of stewards and security staff.
  • Check the condition of items before the premises open or close. This identifies any damage suffered during the last 24 hours with a view to introducing additional precautions or even removing the artwork.
  • For items located in the open such as statues, consider introducing temporary boarding, additional electronic security (alarm, remote surveillance systems) and/or security patrols. If more is needed, consider the temporary relocation of the item. The level of risk will be identified due to such circumstances as value, historic importance, portability and the availability of alternative accommodation.

Whatever security arrangements are in place, it is important to complete regular audits. These are useful to check and improve the process and ensure everyone understands what to do.

Audits should review staff arrangements, physical and electronic security. These reviews will help provide confidence to lending institutions and insurers that appropriate security arrangements are being maintained.

It is strongly recommended that organisations employ specialist security experts in the sector to support these audits.

Further resources

Close up of ancient tapestry