Preserving the wooden heritage of the National Police Museum: challenges and conservation strategies

Abstract This research examines the observed deterioration patterns in the Police Museum and the surrounding area, including the main entrance, the stairs and ceiling, doors, and other wooden structures of the museum, with a proposed plan for treatment and maintenance. It is based on a multi-faceted approach, including visual inspection, photographic documentation, water content analysis, and microscopic examination, to identify the leading causes of damage and deterioration, such as weathering, insect damage, moisture, and human damage. The results revealed that wooden components were exposed to many different environmental stresses, such as humidity, heat, pollutants, and overloads, which accelerated the deterioration of wood. Based on the assessment, the paper presents a plan for the treatment of various wooden elements inside the museum and in the surrounding area, such as mechanical and chemical cleaning, crack repair and repainting, replacement of some severely damaged parts. The proposed plan addressed deterioration manifestations, such as poor rainwater drainage, inadequate roof insulation in some parts, and moisture due to water leakage from bathrooms in the area. Furthermore, the study indicated the use of modern materials and appropriate restoration techniques compatible with the historical context of the museum and the surrounding area and could withstand all environmental conditions. It emphasized the importance of using proper materials and techniques in restoration that are compatible with the historical context of the museum and the surrounding area and can withstand environmental conditions. The implementation of the restoration and maintenance strategy aims to preserve the integrity of the wooden assets, enhance the visitor experience, and protect the cultural heritage of the museum for future generations.