Purpose The inappropriate lighting methods can have irreversible effects on artworks available in museums and exhibitions. Several factors affect the choice of the lighting system in the museums. By surveying all possible elements, this paper aims to propose a sustainability-based solution, as it relates to the development of artwork conservation, visual perception and energy efficiency during operation and maintenance (O&M). Design/methodology/approach The paper elicits optimal solutions out of the method presented based on functions and expert opinion to improve lighting quality in existing museums. To study the optimization, the energy consumption and life cycle cost (LCC) in both the proposed lighting and the existing lighting system are compared using HoneyBee and LadyBug plugins in GrassHopper, as well as BLCC5 energy cost estimation software. Findings The results indicated a practical method to select the most suitable solution for museum lighting. By applying the proposed solutions obtained from the case study, a significant reduction in energy consumption and LCC were achieved. Besides, greenhouse gases were remarkably decreased. Practical implications Providing the proper lighting systems for each museum is the issue that is given special attention during the facilities management. The quality of the lighting, energy consumption and costs are analyzed by the simulation software. It is recommended that the validity considerations of the practice are examined. Originality/value The present study tried to present an optimal method to choose the best lighting system by the simultaneous utilization of theoretical and practical aspects. The functional model is also introduced for performing the most effective method to enhance the lighting techniques in the art museums.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify effective lighting criteria in the museum from two theoretical and practical points of view. Design/methodology/approach Assessment of theoretical and practical weight of criteria was taken with the aim of concurrent attention in scientific and executive. Finally, ten effective criteria were identified by the Pareto chart. Findings The findings of this study represents a centralized reference source of the most important criteria and also effective guidance to improve the lighting quality and effective guideline to improve the lighting quality and operational fluency. Practical implications The paper can help the lighting experts, contemporary designers and future researchers to enhance the lighting function in art museums and design based on needs as well as up-to-date techniques. Originality/value Lighting as a fundamental element in the existing art museum has a significant impact on the better understanding of the artworks by the viewers. On the other hand, according to the importance of protecting valuable museum artefacts, lighting can have an effective or destructive impact on them directly. But with consideration of different museum lighting, there is a large range of effective lighting criteria that can choose the right methods harder.