Art and heritage are invaluable. From paintings and sculptures to historical documents and design objects, everything requires careful protection. Traditionally, glass has been used for display cases and displays, but plastic is rapidly gaining ground as a safe, flexible and sustainable alternative. In this blog, we explain why, for whom it is relevant, and what solutions plastic can offer to preserve art and heritage.
Why plastic is an interesting alternative
The first thing you notice about plastic is its transparency and clarity, comparable to glass, but with many advantages in terms of safety and ease of use. Why you should consider plastic:
- Impact resistance: structures are protected against impacts and accidents, something glass is vulnerable to.
- Lightweight material: ideal for travelling exhibitions, temporary installations or large displays that need to be moved.
- Flexibility in size and shape: plastic can easily be produced to measure, allowing even unusual or complex objects to be displayed safely.
These properties make plastic ideal for museums, galleries and private collections, as well as educational institutions or cultural centres that wish to display valuable objects.
Transparency and aesthetics: presenting art in the best possible way
One of the biggest challenges in exhibiting art is that protection should not compromise the experience. Visitors should be able to admire artworks, see details and experience their beauty.
Plexiglass and other transparent plastics offer crystal-clear visibility without distortion or discolouration. At the same time, the material remains:
- UV-resistant, so that sunlight has no harmful effects,
- Anti-reflective, for optimum visibility,
- Easy to clean, so dust or fingerprints do not affect the experience.
This allows both temporary and permanent exhibitions to be set up without compromising the aesthetics or visibility of the artwork. Our customised plastic solutions also offer private collectors a safe and stylish option. For example, for this remarkable 75-million-year-old Mossosaurus skull, we not only made a protective case, but also designed special supports to present the fossil in the perfect position. In this way, we combine safety, functionality and presentation in one customised solution.
Safety and physical protection
Works of art are fragile, and protecting them requires more than just an attractive display case. Every touch, bump or change in the environment can cause irreparable damage, making carefully chosen protective materials essential. Plastic offers:
- Impact protection: even in the event of an accident or impact, the artwork remains undamaged.
- Barrier against environmental influences: dust, moisture, chemicals or temperature fluctuations are minimised, which is essential for paper, textiles or fragile materials.
- Safety for visitors: unlike glass, no sharp shards are produced when broken.
For historical documents or delicate objects, plastic can be incorporated into custom-made covers or cabinets so that climatic factors such as humidity and temperature can be optimally controlled.
Flexibility for museums and exhibitions
Plastic enables customisation: from large sculptures to small delicate objects. Metaplex can:
- Produce custom display cases tailored to the dimensions of the artwork.
- Make protective covers and displays, which can also be temporarily installed for exhibitions, educational workshops or events.
- Use a combination of materials, such as impact-resistant polycarbonate with a UV filter for extra protection.
Thanks to the flexibility of plastic, even complex or artistic objects can be presented safely and beautifully, without compromising on visual impact.
Sustainable and low-maintenance
A major advantage of plastic is its long service life and low maintenance requirements. Unlike glass, plastic does not need to be polished regularly and is resistant to chemicals that are often used for cleaning in museums and public spaces.
In addition, many modern plastics are environmentally friendly and recyclable, which contributes to the sustainability of exhibitions and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Choosing the right material
Not every type of plastic is suitable for every work of art or heritage object. Various factors play a crucial role in choosing the right material. Important considerations include impact resistance, the desired transparency, weather and climate resistance, and overall durability.
The context in which the piece is exhibited also influences the decision: permanent exhibitions have different requirements than temporary installations, for example in terms of weight, flexibility and ease of maintenance. By carefully weighing up all these aspects, plastic can offer optimal protection while preserving the aesthetics and visibility of the artwork or heritage piece.
Plastic as a smart investment
Plastic offers the perfect balance between protection, durability and presentation. Thanks to Metaplex's customised solutions, museums, galleries, collectors and cultural institutions can display their valuable objects with confidence, while ensuring they remain safe, durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Whether it's a temporary exhibition, an educational showcase, or a permanent collection, plastic is a flexible and reliable solution that preserves art and heritage for the future.