Archival refers to the durability and longevity of an art piece. Art must be properly framed, displayed, stored, and cared for, as it can easily be denigrated or destroyed by heat, cold, humidity, sunlight, mold, mildew, extreme temperatures, dust, dirt, and even oil on your fingers.  Certain materials meet the criteria for permanence, such as acid-free and lignin-free paper, UV-resistant glass, and archival storage boxes.