The MAK – Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, renowned for connecting the past and future with design and contemporary art, has enhanced its security measures by integrating Dallmeier's advanced video surveillance technology.
The museum, esteemed for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development, has taken significant steps in modernizing its infrastructure to safeguard rotating exhibitions and a growing number of visitors.
Security in a Dynamic Environment
Housed in a historic building featuring high ceilings and varying lighting conditions, the MAK poses unique security challenges. Traditional surveillance solutions face difficulties here, especially with the dynamics of exhibitions requiring tailored monitoring installations.
Gerald Schön, Owner of Gerald Schön Elektro- & Sicherheitstechnik, states, "The technology used must not only deliver high quality but also be flexible and efficient enough to adapt to frequently changing conditions. By installing more than 100 high-resolution single-sensor cameras, Dallmeier created a customized solution capable of meeting all our challenges."
Discreet and Unobtrusive Surveillance
Beyond protecting art exhibits, the museum prioritizes visitor safety without disturbing the ambiance
Beyond protecting art exhibits, the museum prioritizes visitor safety without disturbing the ambiance. Surveillance cameras are discreetly positioned throughout the premises, including the exhibition areas, corridors, design shop, and access points.
Equipped with 4K Domera® cameras, the system achieves high-resolution imaging even in challenging lighting, utilizing an innovative "RPoD" (Remote Positioning Dome) function for flexible remote camera angle adjustments. AI functionalities like Intrusion and Loitering Detection minimize false alarms, enhancing security both during and after operational hours.
Comprehensive Video Management
Fisheye cameras ensure comprehensive situational awareness throughout the museum's large exhibition halls.
The integration of Dallmeier’s SeMSy® Compact video management system streamlines recording management, offering user-friendly controls and AI-powered tools such as the "SmartFinder" for efficient incident analysis. The decision to implement Dallmeier’s system was influenced by its data protection and cybersecurity measures, strongly aligning with its “Made in Germany” promise.
Project Execution Without Disruptions
Implementing this high-security setup required precise coordination to avoid disrupting daily operations
Implementing this high-security setup required precise coordination to avoid disrupting daily operations. The collaboration between Gerald Schön Elektro- & Sicherheitstechnik and the MAK’s internal security team was crucial.
Gerald Schön notes, "Thanks to thorough planning and close coordination, we were able to complete the project with 100% planning reliability and zero complications." This seamless execution showcases the logistical expertise applied from project conception to implementation.
Meeting the Needs of Frequent Exhibition Changes
The upgrade of the MAK’s security infrastructure marks a forward step, integrating seamlessly with the museum’s historical architecture and landscape. This installation ensures robust protection for invaluable collections while providing an undisturbed experience for patrons.
Peter Tampier, MSc, Head of Security at the MAK, remarks, "The ability to remotely adjust the camera angles has proven to be an invaluable benefit — especially with our high ceilings and the frequent exhibition changes.” The transition from conventional to Ultra HD imaging was executed efficiently thanks to exemplary collaboration and expertise.
The MAK – Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna bridges the gap between past and future, design and contemporary art. As one of the oldest museums of applied arts in the world, the MAK stands for diversity, inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development — values that are also reflected in its ongoing infrastructure modernisation efforts.
A prime example: security. To protect rotating exhibitions and the high number of visitors, the MAK relies on state-of-the-art video surveillance technology from Dallmeier.
Security in a dynamic environment
The museum’s historic building with its high ceilings, changing exhibitions, and demanding lighting conditions presents unique challenges for security infrastructure. The varying spatial configurations and atmospheric lighting – designed to enhance the presentation of the art – make it particularly difficult for conventional surveillance cameras. Effective monitoring calls for precisely tailored installation solutions to ensure uninterrupted visual coverage.
“The technology used must not only deliver high quality but also be flexible and efficient enough to adapt to frequently changing conditions. By installing more than 100 high-resolution single-sensor cameras, Dallmeier created a customized solution capable of meeting all our challenges,” says Gerald Schön, Owner of Gerald Schön Elektro- & Sicherheitstechnik.
Discreet and unobtrusive
In addition to the protection of exhibits and the prevention of theft, burglary and vandalism, MAK´s focus is on visitor safety. At the same time, security technology should help to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. The surveillance cameras are therefore installed very discreetly throughout the museum complex, including the exhibition rooms, corridors, the MAK Design Shop, access roads, and entrances.
The installed 4K Domera® cameras deliver high resolution images even in difficult lighting conditions. Thanks to the innovative “RPoD” (Remote Positioning Dome) function, camera angles can be adjusted remotely via the video management system — eliminating the need for labor-intensive physical reconfiguration. This is especially advantageous for the museum’s high ceilings and frequently changing exhibitions. AI-based features such as Intrusion Detection and Loitering Detection ensure precise alarms and significantly reduce false alerts. These technologies not only detect manipulation attempts during operating hours but also play a vital role in protecting sensitive areas after hours.
Video management system
Fisheye cameras provide full situational awareness, even in the museum’s largest exhibit halls. The integration of Dallmeier’s SeMSy® Compact video management system enables centralized management of recordings, intuitive operator control, and powerful tools like the AI-driven “SmartFinder” function. This allows staff to analyze incidents quickly and with minimal effort.
The MAK’s decision to use Dallmeier products wasn’t based solely on image quality and innovative features. Data protection and cybersecurity were equally decisive — areas where Dallmeier, with its “Made in Germany” promise, delivers strong value.
Disrupting daily operations
Dallmeier products feature the highest level of technical security, enabling customers to implement and operate their video security solutions in a GDPR-compliant and cyber-secure manner. They also meet all the criteria crucial for successfully presenting evidence in court.
Executing the project without disrupting daily operations was a logistical feat. From the initial planning phase to final installation, every detail was carefully coordinated. Working closely together, Gerald Schön Elektro- & Sicherheitstechnik and the MAK’s internal security department analyzed the museum’s needs and developed a tailored solution. “Thanks to thorough planning and close coordination, we were able to complete the project with 100% planning reliability and zero complications,” explains Gerald Schön.
Frequent exhibition changes
With the modernisation of its security infrastructure, the MAK has taken a significant step toward the future. The video system integrates seamlessly with the museum’s historic and architectural features, ensuring reliable protection of valuable exhibits and a smooth, undisturbed experience for all visitors.
“The ability to remotely adjust the camera angles has proven to be an invaluable benefit — especially with our high ceilings and the frequent exhibition changes,” emphasizes Peter Tampier, MSc, Head of Security at the MAK. The transition from “blurry images” to Ultra HD was executed smoothly thanks to the outstanding teamwork and deep expertise of all involved partners.
