The key to damage prevention is environmental control: elimination of atmospheric pollution, stabilization of temperature and humidity, and minimization of exposure to radiant energy. This Recommended Practice provides specific standards for satisfying the special requirements of museums and art galleries.

This Practice covers museum and art gallery lighting from many perspectives: successful museum lighting, design guidelines, damage to museum exhibits, four typical lighting, architectural aspects and daylight, electric light sources, luminaires and accessories, light controls, control of glare, measurements and measuring instruments, lighting calculations, and maintenance and budgets. An extensive glossary defines both lighting and architectural terminology