Air Conditioning Issues Force $325 Million Art Exhibition to Close

When the Washington DC 'Corcoran' Gallery borrowed paintings from Wales' top museums, they certainly didn't expect to keep them boxed up and away from viewers. However, after a series of air conditioning service errors, the popular gallery has decided to pack the paintings up and store them away from their gallery, aiming to prevent air damage and poor treatment.

The exhibition, which featured art from Turner and Cézanne, was forced to close after the museum's air conditioning system failed to provide a stable level of heat and humidity. Aiming to avoid potential damage to the paintings, the museum decided to pull the exhibition almost two months before it was due to close.

Fourteen paintings were on loan from Wales' various art museums, including many rarely seen outside of Europe. Though the exhibition plans to continue throughout the United States – organizers are moving the paintings to New Mexico shortly – member of Washington DC's art community are disappointed that their viewing time was cut short.

Museum air conditioning systems, particularly visual art air conditioners, are often required to perform at a stable temperature in order to keep paintings safe from water or heat damage.