A museum mould mystery

Shows and films might have us thinking that the biggest threat to heritage sites – whether museums, palaces, libraries, national parks, churches or temples – is an elaborately orchestrated incursion to probe, extract or deface something of cultural and historic significance for nefarious or heroic purposes. In reality, heritage sites and cultural heritage items are far less threatened by intricate plots à la Lupin, The Thomas Crown Affair, Ocean’s 12, National Treasure  or La casa de papel (Money Heist)  than by dangers including armed conflict, natural disasters, climate change, pollution and overtourism.