On show - and specially conserved

The walls, the floor, the ceiling - everything is black. The light is dimmed to such an extent that visitors’ eyes first have to become accustomed to it when they enter the room. Behind the glass in the black showcase, a golden cross from the 15th century catches the eye. It seems to hover in its dark surroundings. The cross depicts the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, surrounded by the symbols of the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In the background, the air-conditioning hums quietly.

The dark room, the dimmed lighting and the air-conditioning are all necessary to protect the valuable objects in the Bible Museum. "Very many of the exhibits need special conservation measures," explains the museum’s curator, Dr. Jan Graefe. ...