State Art Gallery

However, prior to the renovation, the gallery faced serious challenges. The existing metal halide lamps and halogen lamps had become outdated—producing insufficient light output over time while emitting excessive heat, which posed a risk to delicate artworks. The aging lighting control system, with its centralized architecture and routers in racks, introduced a significant single point of failure: if one unit failed, the entire lighting network could go down. For a major cultural attraction like PGS, this meant potential closures with significant reputational and operational costs.

To address these issues, PGS selected Casambi as the core of its next-generation lighting control system. Introduced by multiple vendors, Casambi offered a modern, wireless alternative that didn’t require a complete overhaul of the electrical infrastructure—making it an ideal solution for a high-profile, constantly evolving exhibition space.

In late 2024, Casambi’s wireless lighting control technology was deployed across all three floors of the gallery in collaboration with LightWORKS Sp. z O.O., who handled the system’s design, delivery, and commissioning. The installation included over 200 LED spotlights and 1–10V-controlled Barrisol ceilings with T8 lamps, all integrated into three dedicated Casambi networks.

Designed by leading Polish lighting brand Art System, the new lighting concept emphasizes visual comfort, adaptability, and harmony with the gallery’s minimalist interior. Whether highlighting large-scale installations or intimate pieces, the system enables curators to create dynamic scenes with ease, ensuring each artwork is experienced in its best light.

A particularly clever element of the installation is the use of 3-phase track adapters for both power and communication. This not only simplified deployment across the building, but also allowed motion sensors to draw power directly from the same infrastructure—minimizing additional wiring. Strategic use of EnOcean switches at entry points, motion sensors in smaller rooms, and automation based on working hours contributes to both energy efficiency and operational simplicity.

To support ongoing operations, a dedicated tablet gives the PGS maintenance team direct and user-friendly access to the system. Remote access is also available via Casambi’s CBU-Gateways, enabling the team to monitor and adjust the lighting system from anywhere. In fact, the gallery now manages an additional sculpture installation in a nearby parkusing the Casambi SITE feature and a separate gateway—extending control far beyond the building walls.

The gallery’s staff are enthusiastic about the upgrade.
“Using Casambi feels almost futuristic,” says Piotr Darda, Facility Manager of PGS. “The way that lighting responds to any command and allows us to quickly set up a new lighting scheme under new scenes feels like being inside a sci-fi novel.”

“In addition to the gallery installation, we also integrated the external lighting of a sculpture in a nearby park, using DMX-controlled luminaires and a dedicated Casambi network. The sculpture’s lighting dynamically reflects the temperature of the Gdańsk Bay—shifting between blue, white, and red based on real-time data. These values are fetched from a dedicated web page and translated into DMX commands through Casambi’s control system. It’s a great example of the level of complexity Casambi is capable of managing with ease.” says Mateusz Janowski, Chief Executive Officer, LightWorks Sp. z o.o.

This next-generation lighting system not only enhances the gallery’s aesthetic and architectural integrity, but also delivers true curatorial freedom, operational resilience, and a better visitor experience—making it a model for modern art institutions across Europe.