The US Department of Energy (DOE) had made a test in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois, in order to tell difference lighting performance, economic performance, and potential energy savings from LED lights and halogen lighting. Recently, DOE reported the final result.

In the test, compared to the halogen system, the LED system resulted in 63% energy savings and produced comparable illuminance on the lighted artifacts; also it had an overall payback period of around 3 years. Because the LED luminaires used did not emit energy in the infrared or ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, they are expected to be less detrimental to some museum artifacts.
 
This lighting demonstration was one of many DOE Gateway demonstrations that showcase high-performance LED products for general illumination.