The MAK – Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, renowned for bridging the realms of historical and modern design, has enhanced its security measures with advanced video surveillance technology from Dallmeier.
As one of the oldest establishments dedicated to applied arts, the museum is committed to innovation and sustainability, mirrored in its ongoing infrastructure upgrades. A focal point of this modernisation is the enhancement of the museum's security systems to safeguard its rotating exhibitions and numerous visitors.
Security in a dynamic environment
The architectural complexities of the museum, which include historical high ceilings and varying lighting designed to accentuate artwork, create distinct challenges for security measures. Conventional surveillance cameras typically struggle in such environments.
Therefore, tailor-made installation solutions are vital to ensure continuous visual oversight. Gerald Schön, owner of Gerald Schön Elektro- & Sicherheitstechnik, notes, “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 customised solution capable of meeting all our challenges.”
Discreet and unobtrusive technology
These 4K Domera® cameras produce clear images in even challenging lighting environments
Alongside safeguarding art, preventing theft, and maintaining visitor security, the MAK emphasises preserving a pleasant atmosphere. Cameras are discreetly placed throughout, including in exhibition spaces, corridors, retail areas, access roads, and entrances.
These 4K Domera® cameras produce clear images in even challenging lighting environments. The Remote Positioning Dome (RPoD) capability allows remote adjustment of camera angles, preventing the need for intensive physical reconfigurations. This feature is particularly beneficial for the museum's towering ceilings and frequently changing displays. Furthermore, AI-enhanced functions, such as Intrusion and Loitering Detection, help reduce false alarms while efficiently identifying potential security breaches during and after hours.
Video management system
The use of fisheye cameras ensures comprehensive coverage, even in the largest exhibition areas. Dallmeier’s SeMSy® Compact video management system facilitates centralised video control, leveraging powerful tools like the AI-driven “SmartFinder” for expedient incident analysis.
Dallmeier’s products, known for their German engineering, prioritise data protection and cybersecurity, aligning with the museum’s commitment to privacy and safety.
Seamless implementation
The enhanced security infrastructure marks a significant advancement for the MAK
Installing the new security system without disturbing the museum's daily activities was a meticulous process. From planning to installation, every phase was seamlessly managed.
The collaboration between Gerald Schön Elektro- & Sicherheitstechnik and the MAK’s internal team resulted in the creation of a bespoke security solution that met all operational goals without complications. Gerald Schön explains, “Thanks to thorough planning and close coordination, we were able to complete the project with 100% planning reliability and zero complications.”
Adapting to frequent exhibitions
The enhanced security infrastructure marks a significant advancement for the MAK, ensuring the safeguarding of its priceless exhibits and the uninterrupted enjoyment of its visitors.
Peter Tampier, MSc, head of security at the MAK, adds, “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 to Ultra HD imaging from previous 'blurry' visuals was achieved successfully, thanks to the proficient teamwork and expertise of all partners involved.
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 customised 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 centralised management of recordings, intuitive operator control, and powerful tools like the AI-driven “SmartFinder” function. This allows staff to analyse 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 analysed 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,” emphasises 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.
