Protect Collections During Public Events 

Special events, receptions, exhibition openings, and other high-attendance programs bring energy and new audiences to cultural institutions—but they can also create additional security challenges. Larger crowds, unfamiliar visitors, changing traffic patterns, and distracted staff can provide opportunities for theft, unauthorized access, or accidental damage to collections.

A little extra preparation can make a significant difference:

•  Assign additional observation staff in galleries, collection areas, and other high-traffic locations.
•  Monitor emergency exits and access points to ensure they remain secure while still meeting life-safety requirements.
•  Secure non-public areas such as offices, storage rooms, collection spaces, loading areas, and staff-only corridors before guests arrive.
•  Be alert for coordinated distraction techniques. One person may intentionally occupy a staff member's attention while another attempts to access a restricted area or interfere with an object.

Most importantly, brief all staff, volunteers, security personnel, and event teams before the event so everyone understands what to watch for, who to contact, and how to report a concern.