The Franklin Institute, one of the oldest and most prestigious science museums in the United States, is dedicated to inspiring a passion for learning through interactive exhibits and groundbreaking research. As part of its 200th-anniversary enhancements, the museum unveiled a reimagined Collections Gallery, showcasing rare and historically significant artifacts. This space was designed to be visually accessible while incorporating modern security measures to prevent unauthorised access to the valuable exhibits.

Discreet monitoring

The newly remodeled Collections Gallery presented a unique security challenge: how to provide high-level protection for priceless artifacts without obstructing visibility or diminishing the visitor experience. Traditional security measures, such as physical barriers or bulky sensors, would detract from the exhibit’s open-concept design. The museum needed a solution that could discreetly monitor and secure the display area without interfering with the aesthetics or accessibility of the gallery.

Compact and customisable solution

To address these challenges, the Franklin Institute’s security consultant, BALA, specifically selected the Optex Redscan mini RLS-2020i indoor Lidar detector. This compact and highly customisable detector creates an invisible Lidar security plane, offering discreet yet effective intrusion detection.

The RLS-2020i was strategically implemented to create a “virtual ceiling” barrier from the exhibit above into the valuable Collections Gallery. This invisible layer of security detects any unauthorised movement within the designated zone and triggers an immediate alert if an object or person breaches the ceiling area from above. Its ability to define precise detection zones allows security engineers to customise coverage while ensuring seamless integration with the museum’s existing security systems. By leveraging this technology, the Franklin Institute achieved enhanced protection without compromising the exhibit’s open design.

 Preserving security and experience 

With the installation of the Optex Redscan RLS-2020i mini Lidar detector, the Franklin Institute successfully enhanced the security of its Collections Gallery without compromising its design vision. The virtual ceiling technology provided an effective yet discreet solution, allowing visitors to fully engage with the exhibits while ensuring the safety of the museum’s invaluable artifacts. This example highlights how advanced sensing technology can be seamlessly integrated into cultural institutions to preserve both security and visitor experience.