Osram and the Vatican Museums are deepening their lighting liaison. Both parties have signed a multi-year framework collaboration agreement regarding possible future projects. Osram is currently already equipping the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel with a new LED-based lighting solution. “We are very glad to continue our collaboration with the Vatican. This follow-up agreement underlines that we are offering high-end quality and innovative lighting solutions and underpins our role as the leading global lighting company”, said Christophe Poméon, head of Osram’s Luminaires Business Unit. “Our art and architecture present the most demanding requirements for light. Therefore, we are using outstanding lighting installations. With the opening of the Sistine chapel at end of October, the public can witness first impressions of this”, said Antonio Paolucci, Director of the Vatican Museums.

With the framework agreement, Osram and the Vatican Museums manifest their intention to further develop scientific cooperation aimed at seeking new technologies to guarantee that the artistic heritage of the Vatican Museums is safeguarded.

The solution that is currently set up in the Sistine Chapel is a very good example for this approach. It consists of around 7,000 LEDs and gives special emphasis to the conservational aspect. Illuminance of approximately 50 to 100 lux (previously five to ten lux) ensures that the art can be clearly discerned, but with as little ageing as possible. In addition, 60% less power is consumed compared to the existing lighting installation. This pilot project, with the working title of LED4Art, receives funding from the European Union’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy Support Programme  as part of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (PSP-CIP). The aim of the programme is to demonstrate new possibilities for LED technology with regard to energy efficiency and improved quality of light, and thus to achieve more rapid market penetration for the new technology.