It's a beautiful day at LRMA....

...perfect for cranes, utility trucks, and mechanical excitement. If you've ever wondered what it takes to keep 22,000 square feet of museum air conditioned in the brutal Mississippi summer, these pictures may answer that question. Our 20+ year old chiller wore out on us, and we got a new one today. Here's the crane:




Here, the old chiller is coming up and out:



Here, the new one is going in:




In an effort to save money, Todd, Mark, and George offered to do the moving themselves instead of using the crane:


Here you see just how big these things are: the old one on the way down, the new one on the flatbed to the right:



This is merely one component of our complex HVAC system, which is designed to keep the artworks in optimal conditions. Artwork will last longest if kept at about 65 degrees, and about 50% humidity, which is why most people find museums a bit chilly.