Microbiology in the museum

Can objects in a museum become sick? Are invisible microbes a threat to historical objects as well? Microbiology is becoming an increasingly important tool in the protection of museum collections.
The phenomenon of microbiological destruction is not a new concept, but it is only recently that new laboratory techniques, as well as microbiological and molecular tests and modern microscopes have given the science a new importance and a growing role in the protection of museum art collections.
At the Museum Palace of Wilanów the air in the historical chambers of the royal residence is regularly monitored for microbiological content...