22.10.2025 • Topstories

Protect Museums

In the historical heart of Bagheria, Palermo, Villa Cattolica houses the Guttuso Museum, which stores and exhibits works by one of Italy’s famous modern painters, Renato Guttuso. Built in 1736, the villa faced a critical security challenge — to preserve its assets while embracing security measures that respect its historical significance. The security system installed at the villa was outdated, unreliable, and lacked informative capabilities, prompting the need for a modern alternative.

Designing security systems for historical facilities like Villa Cattolica presents unique challenges. Wired systems, which typically involve extensive drilling for installation, pose a significant threat to the architectural integrity of such structures. Historical buildings, with their thick walls, intricate designs, and delicate features, have strict prohibitions against drilling.

In response to the challenge, Tecnotel Energy S.r.l. was tasked with delivering a reliable and efficient security solution to safeguard premises without compromising the site’s architectural heritage. Installers designed the solution, taking into account the unique characteristics of the villa, and implemented 104 devices to cover all nuances.

It was decided to equip the site with Hub 2 Plus Jeweller. Capable of managing up to 200 devices, it proved to be an optimal solution for extensive multi-floor facilities like Villa Cattolica. The hub features four communication channels, connecting to four different internet providers — two via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and two via cellular networks. In the event of issues with one channel, the hub seamlessly switches to another, ensuring reliable communication with the Central Monitoring Station (CMS) and Ajax apps.

Villa Cattolica, built in 1736 in the historic heart of Bagheria in Palermo,...

Fifteen Doorprotect Plus Jeweller detectors were chosen to protect entrances and balcony doors. Equipped with opening, shock, and tilt sensors, these devices can swiftly detect intrusions into the facility.

Motioncam Jeweller was chosen for motion detection. The client requested a reliable mechanism that filters out false alarms caused by employees who sometimes forget to disarm the security system while entering the museum. In case of an alarm, MotionCam Jeweller sends an animated series of photos into Ajax apps. Using photo verification, the museum administration can quickly determine whether the threat is real and decide if the rapid response unit should be called.

Given the complex radio signal conditions of the multi-floor structure and thick walls, range extenders were used to expand wireless coverage. Tecnotel Energy installed three range extenders, including Rex 2 Jeweller, which supports alarm photo verification from Motioncam Jeweller detectors. These range extenders boost the range of all Ajax devices, eliminating the need for an additional control panel. As a result, this leads to more efficient system management and reduced project costs.

Streetsiren Jeweller sirens were placed on different sides of the building to ensure the alarm signal was audible from all directions, while the LED indication provided visibility. The sirens also serve as a deterrent to potential intruders.

Superior Streetsiren Doubledeck Jeweller features a radio interference detection algorithm. It detects sudden noise level changes to differentiate temporary disruptions from deliberate jamming. If jamming is confirmed, it triggers an alarm.

Surveillance cameras from a different manufacturer had already been installed at the facility. All Ajax systems offer an easy process for third-party CCTV integration via the SDK. As a result, the live view is now available in Ajax apps, streaming with efficiency and low latency.

Automation scenarios were configured to arm/disarm the system according to the museum’s working hours. The scenarios can be easily reconfigured on-site or remotely: changing settings in Ajax apps takes only a minute when working hours are updated.

Wireless connectivity and range extenders eliminate the need for intrusive cabling and make Ajax the ideal solution for addressing the challenges posed by historical buildings. With Ajax photo verification, system users and monitoring company operators can promptly verify whether an alarm is real and save costs on rapid response unit calls. Additionally, integrating video surveillance cameras into the security system allows users to easily access images and videos from the cameras directly within Ajax apps.