Mr Herbert, what is the significance of the state exhibition ‘Medieval World Heritage – 1300 Years of Reichenau Monastery Island’, which is being shown for six months at the Baden-Württemberg State Archaeological Museum in Constance?

With this regional exhibition, the Badisches Landesmuseum presents a veritable treasure trove of cultural and contemporary history. The historical and cultural achievements of the Reichenau monks are vividly brought to life at the Archaeological Museum of Baden-Württemberg in Constance. The island of Reichenau, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for almost 25 years, is also part of the exhibition, featuring its original sites, the newly refurbished cathedral treasury and the monastery gardens.

Thirteen rooms at the State Archaeological Museum in Constance were refurbished especially for the exhibition. How significant is the exhibition for the Badisches Landesmuseum?

Thanks to this state exhibition, many of the precious artefacts from the Reichenau scriptorium are returning to Lake Constance for the first time. This has been made possible by the project’s inclusion in the series of major state exhibitions in Baden-Württemberg. For the Badisches Landesmuseum, the exhibition represents a major challenge – not least because we are not hosting it in our own premises in Karlsruhe, but are exhibiting as guests in Constance.

The exhibition features twelve security display cases from BÖHM. What items will be displayed in them?

The security display cases feature, among other items, five of the Reichenau manuscripts, which have been part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register since 2003 as ‘documents of unique cultural and historical significance that exemplify the collective memory of humanity’. The Reichenau manuscripts are books made of parchment that are more than 1,000 years old – these exhibits are the highlights of the national exhibition. Also on display are other unique illuminated manuscripts, as well as goldsmith’s work and precious ivory carvings.

As Head of the Restoration, Sustainability and Security Department at the Badisches Landesmuseum, you are responsible for exhibition security in Constance. What requirements did the BÖHM security display cases have to meet?

The display cases must protect the exhibits from damage by offering a certain degree of impact resistance and featuring sturdy mountings. Furthermore, their robustness and durability must minimise the risk of theft. Last but not least, appropriate climate control reduces fluctuations in humidity and temperature, thereby protecting the exhibits on display.

How do the display cases contribute to the overall impression of the exhibition and the exhibits?

Of particular importance here is the anti-reflective glass, which, together with the subdued lighting, ensures that the exhibits are clearly visible. In terms of design, the display cases by BÖHM have been adapted to the existing display system, which is why they blend seamlessly into the overall look of the exhibition.

What stands out most in your memory from your current collaboration with BÖHM?

The open and mutually beneficial dialogue we have experienced with BÖHM on previous projects was one of the reasons we chose to work with them on the current state exhibition. We have always been able to rely on agreements and deadlines, and requests for changes are taken on board and implemented at short notice. We are very satisfied and would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at BÖHM for their excellent cooperation!