In India, colourful Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights have been fixed in almost the entire ivory and textile sections of the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, making the exhibits look more attractive as well as saving energy.
The first LED lights were fixed in 2008 when 20 of the display cases were replaced, said Sudhanva Ranade, joint director of the museum.
"Visitors have told us that the lights have made the exhibits very attractive, so now the lights are not just restricted to the 20 cases, but are also fixed above some exhibits like the 13th century statue of Lord Rama," Ranade said.
The new cases were specially made of 8mm thick glass, a false ceiling to enable light fixtures, an advanced locking system and also attractive pedestals to improve the arrangement of the artifacts, he said.
LED lights boost many advantages comparing with conventional lamps, including energy conservation, a low possibility of UV emission and also low temperature build-up inside the display case which was vital to the exhibits. To save energy, the museum has also fixed compact fluorescent lamps in some places because of the high price of LED lights.
A number and variety of artefacts are exhibited in the museum, which are of different periods ranging from the 9th century to the 20th century.