When a case is made from archival materials, it means everything in the display environment has undergone industry testing and is considered safe and will not off-gas. These materials include the vitrine, the deck, any deck padding or wrapping, and seal/gasket materials when applicable. It also includes the base, typically made from formaldehyde-free MDF or powder-coated metal.

Wood is not an archival material and should not be in the exhibit case's display area; however, if a wood base is wholly isolated from the display area by an archival deck, the case may still be considered archival quality. Wood must be separated from the exhibit space via High-Density Plastic Laminate (HDPL), vapor barrier laminate, or foil.

UV-filtering acrylic or laminated glass filters out up to 99% of UV rays (97-99% depending on specific material specs) to help minimize light damage to objects on display. These materials will not eliminate all UV exposure and, if light damage is of particular concern, should be combined with other measures, such as window films/coverings, fluorescent light covers, and rotating objects off display.

A silica gel compartment is built into the case to hold silica gel for humidity control. Cases with silica gel compartments should also have seals/gaskets to minimize air exchange and maintain humidity.

Silica gel compartments can be accessible under the case's deck or via an external door or drawer. External access makes it more convenient to change the silica gel when needed without disturbing the display area.

You will need to consider the air exchange rate of the case and the size of the case to calculate the amount of silica gel necessary to maintain the humidity level. Use our Silica Gel Calculator to figure out how much you'll need.

It would be best to use a temperature and humidity data logger to check levels without access to the display space.

Silicone gaskets reduce gaps at junction points, such as where the base meets the vitrine, to form a sealed environment that minimizes air exchange. When combined with silica gel, these gaskets help control dust and create a microclimate in the display area.

Depending on how often you need to access a case for changing silica gel, dusting or rotating exhibits, consider the type of access you’ll need and available staff. While some cases offer hinged doors or gas lifters, others require the vitrine to be lifted by multiple people over the objects without torquing the vitrine. 

The most common security feature is the use of security screws. Security screws have head patterns that require a specialized screwdriver to remove and are used to attach the vitrine to the base or frame at multiple points. Keyed locks are also available on some cases. 

Laminated glass is also a security feature because the lamination keeps it intact even if broken.

Removable decking allows the deck to be removed and updated with linen or Ethafoam® to change the look of the display space. It may also provide a space for silica gel underneath; however, someone will need to remove the vitrine, objects on display and the deck to access the silica gel compartment. This works best for stable items, temporary or rotating exhibits, or cases with smaller display space.

If you need to move exhibit cases out of the way for events and receptions (lest your cases end up tables for cocktails), look for cases with optional hidden casters or pallet jack access. 


Look for the Make it Mobile logo at Gaylord.com.

Different lighting options are available for exhibit cases when overhead lighting is insufficient or you want to highlight specific objects. Fiber optic lighting is the museum standard, but it can be expensive and challenging to integrate into casework. LED lighting has become more acceptable and is available in different styles, such as spotlights, light bars, light hoods, and overhead lighting. Avoid using Halogen lighting as it creates heat, which can damage items on display.

Exposure to any light can cause irreversible damage over time, so light exposure should be limited for fragile and valuable objects.

Also, remember that lighting requires power, so you'll need to run a cord from the case to the nearest outlet. Cords can pose a tripping risk, so this may not be ideal unless the case is placed against a wall and near an outlet.

Some exhibit cases offer storage as a cabinet base or drawers. Drawer storage may or may not be accessible to patrons. Patron-accessible drawers provide visible storage and are covered in acrylic for protection/security.