Merge remote main: upside-down influence lamps with local hall fixes.

Keep remote lamp orientation, drop castShadow (shadows stay disabled), and retain curator-note plates plus large-hall loading docs.

Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

.env.example

@@ -16,8 +16,9 @@ TRUST_PROXY=true
 IMAGE_DIR=./data/images
 
 # Curator auth (run npm run dev:migrate after setting CURATOR_PASSWORD)
+# Reset password anytime: npm run dev:reset-curator
 SESSION_SECRET=change-me-to-a-long-random-string
-SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE=false
+# Omit SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE for auto (HTTPS via proxy → Secure cookie). Set true/false to force.
 CURATOR_USERNAME=curator
 CURATOR_PASSWORD=
 

Documentation/API.md

@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@ These return **`401`** with `{ "error": "Curator login required" }` without a va
 | `GET /api/artists/:id/debug-portrait-search` (+ `/more`) | — |
 | `GET /api/debug/image-proxy` | — |
 | `PATCH /api/paintings/:id/checkup-flags` | `painting.checkup_flags` |
+| `PATCH /api/paintings/:id/curator-notes` | `painting.update_curator_notes` |
 | `PATCH /api/artists/:id/checkup-flags` | `artist.checkup_flags` |
 | `POST /api/paintings/:id/fix-image` | `painting.fix_image` |
 | `POST /api/paintings/:id/clear-image` | `painting.clear_image` |
@@ -593,6 +594,7 @@ Painting detail with influence graph neighbours.
     "thumbnail_cache_key": 1739123456790,
     "checkup_checked": false,
     "checkup_fixed": false,
+    "curator_notes": "",
     "has_influence_links": true
   },
   "influencedBy": [
@@ -698,6 +700,22 @@ Full-catalog audit table for the Checkup UI.
 
 ---
 
+### `PATCH /api/paintings/:id/curator-notes`
+
+Update public curator notes for a painting.
+
+**Body**
+
+```json
+{ "curatorNotes": "Optional editorial text…" }
+```
+
+`curatorNotes` must be a string (trim applied; empty string clears the notes).
+
+**Response:** `{ "curatorNotes": "…" }`
+
+**Audit:** `painting.update_curator_notes`
+
 ### `PATCH /api/paintings/:id/checkup-flags`
 
 Update review flags. Body: `{ "checked"?: boolean, "fixed"?: boolean }` — at least one field required.
@@ -877,6 +895,7 @@ The React client wraps these endpoints in `client/src/api/client.ts`. All reques
 | `validateDebugUploadFile(file)` | Client-side size/type check before base64 upload |
 | `api.getPaintingCheckup()` | `GET /api/paintings/checkup` |
 | `api.updatePaintingCheckupFlags(id, flags)` | `PATCH /api/paintings/:id/checkup-flags` |
+| `api.updatePaintingCuratorNotes(id, curatorNotes)` | `PATCH /api/paintings/:id/curator-notes` |
 | `api.getPaintingDebugImageSearch(id)` | `GET /api/paintings/:id/debug-image-search` |
 | `api.getPaintingDebugImageSearchMore(id, limit?)` | `GET /api/paintings/:id/debug-image-search/more` |
 | `api.fixPaintingImage(id, imageUrl, context?)` | `POST /api/paintings/:id/fix-image` |

Documentation/DB_structure.md

@@ -104,7 +104,8 @@ Phases within an artist’s career (e.g. “Blue Period”, “Roman Period”).
 | `period_id` | FK → `artist_periods` | Optional grouping |
 | `title` | VARCHAR(300) | |
 | `year`, `year_end` | INTEGER | Creation date(s) |
-| `description` | TEXT | |
+| `description` | TEXT | Wikipedia-style catalog text |
+| `curator_notes` | TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '' | Public curator editorial notes (inline edit on detail; brass plate in 3D hall when non-empty) |
 | `image_path` | VARCHAR(500) | Full-size local file; nullable after debug **Clear** |
 | `thumbnail_path` | VARCHAR(500) | Smaller variant for lists / 3D; nullable after **Clear** |
 | `wikipedia_title` | VARCHAR(300) | Used by image fetcher |
@@ -114,7 +115,7 @@ Phases within an artist’s career (e.g. “Blue Period”, “Roman Period”).
 
 When `checkup_fixed` is true, `checkup_checked` is set automatically and cannot be cleared until **Fixed** is off. A cleared painting (`image_path` and `thumbnail_path` both null, `checkup_fixed` true) is shown as an empty frame in detail view and is not refetched on demand.
 
-Applied by `npm run dev:migrate:checkup-flags` (`db/migrate-checkup-flags.sql`).
+Applied by `npm run dev:migrate:checkup-flags` (`db/migrate-checkup-flags.sql`). `curator_notes` is applied by `db/migrate-curator-notes.sql` via `npm run dev:migrate`.
 
 ### `painting_annotations`
 
@@ -160,8 +161,9 @@ Curated guided tours. See [tours.md](tours.md).
 | `painting_id` | FK → `paintings` | ON DELETE CASCADE; UNIQUE with `tour_id` |
 | `sort_order` | INTEGER | Visitor / editor order |
 | `body` | TEXT | English tour notes for the stop (v1) |
+| `updated_at` | TIMESTAMPTZ | Trigger on UPDATE; required for `npm run harmonize:db` |
 
-Applied by `npm run dev:migrate` (`db/migrate-tours.sql`).
+Applied by `npm run dev:migrate` (`db/migrate-tours.sql`; `updated_at` also covered by `migrate-sync-timestamps.sql` when the table already exists).
 
 ### `painting_influences`
 

Documentation/FAC.md

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Details: [environments.md](environments.md) · Deploy: [../infra/docker/DEPLOY-t
 ### Start — public dev (Keenetic URL)
 
 ```powershell
-cd C:\Users\SNAP\Nextcloud\Personal\Repo\Gallery
+cd T:\Repo\Gallery
 npm run dev:web
 ```
 
@@ -77,12 +77,13 @@ Stop-Process -Id <PID> -Force
 ## First-time install
 
 ```powershell
-cd C:\Users\SNAP\Nextcloud\Personal\Repo\Gallery
+cd T:\Repo\Gallery
 copy .env.example .env          # edit DB credentials, PUBLIC_URL
 npm install
 cd client; npm install; cd ..
 
 npm run dev:migrate                 # schema + incremental SQL (+ auth tables, bootstrap curator)
+npm run dev:reset-curator           # upsert curator password from .env CURATOR_* (clears sessions)
 npm run dev:setup                   # migrate + seed (fresh empty DB only)
 ```
 
@@ -94,14 +95,16 @@ CURATOR_USERNAME=curator
 CURATOR_PASSWORD=your-secure-password
 ```
 
-Then open the gallery → **Curator login** (top-right) → use debug mode / Checkup / Translations / **Influences**. Mutations are logged in `curator_audit_log` (view in pgAdmin).
+Then open the gallery → **Curator login** (top-right) → use debug mode / Checkup / Translations / **Influences** / inline **curator notes** on painting detail. Mutations are logged in `curator_audit_log` (view in pgAdmin).
+
+If login fails after changing `CURATOR_PASSWORD` in `.env`, run `npm run dev:reset-curator` (bootstrap only runs when `users` is empty).
 
 **Roles:**
 
 | Role | Access |
 |------|--------|
 | Guest (`user`) | Timeline, movement flow, 3D halls, painting detail, bios |
-| Curator | Above + debug mode, Checkup, Translations, Influences (import/CRUD/graph), image fix/upload/delete APIs |
+| Curator | Above + debug mode, Checkup, Translations, Influences (import/CRUD/graph), curator notes, image fix/upload/delete APIs |
 
 **Audit log (pgAdmin on `gallery_dev` or `gallery_prod`):**
 
@@ -152,7 +155,7 @@ DB_NAME=gallery_dev
 PORT=3451
 PUBLIC_URL=https://devgallery.mysuperlab.netcraze.pro
 SESSION_SECRET=your-long-random-secret
-SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE=false
+# Omit SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE for auto (HTTPS via Keenetic → Secure cookie)
 CURATOR_USERNAME=curator
 CURATOR_PASSWORD=your-secure-password
 ```
@@ -240,11 +243,20 @@ net use \\192.168.10.122\Gallery /user:YOUR_TRUENAS_USER
 npm run devtoprod:release        # full promote from infra/deploy/devtoprod.config.json
 npm run devtoprod:thumbnails   # rebuild thumb files + DB paths on dev (before backup)
 npm run devtoprod:images      # dev repo → TrueNAS (promote / first deploy)
-npm run prodto:dev:images    # TrueNAS → dev repo
+npm run prodto:dev:images    # TrueNAS → dev repo (all images)
 npm run harmonize            # bidirectional merge (newer wins) — see harmonize-dev-prod.md
 npm run harmonize:dry-run    # preview DB + image changes only
 ```
 
+**One artist only (prod → dev):** after `net use`, robocopy the artist file prefix (example: Duccio):
+
+```powershell
+$src = "\\192.168.10.122\Gallery\data\images\paintings"
+$dst = "T:\Repo\Gallery\data\images\paintings"
+robocopy $src $dst "Duccio*" /XO /R:2 /W:3
+robocopy "$src\thumbs" "$dst\thumbs" "Duccio*" /XO /R:2 /W:3
+```
+
 Type `yes` when prompted (or set `autoConfirm: true` in release config). Robocopy exit codes **0–7** = success. Deploy scripts print a final **`===== SUCCESS =====`** or **`===== FAILED =====`** banner.
 
 ---

Documentation/basics.md

@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ The app is organised as a **drill-down hierarchy**:
 
 1. **Timeline** — historical eras (Ancient → Contemporary) with definite or fuzzy date boundaries.
 2. **Movement flow** — art movements as curved SVG streams on the same year axis; documented predecessor→successor branches; portrait thumbnails placed along each stream.
-3. **3D gallery** — one personal hall per artist, a **movement gallery** (click a movement name), or a **guided tour** hall (timeline → **Tours**): period-themed or tour wings of up to ~55 works, side-wall hang, visit order left→right.
-4. **Painting detail** — full work in the centre, *Influenced By* on the left, *Influenced* on the right (paintings, artists, or movements), optional **art-history notes** with image markers, prev/next catalog browsing, optional fullscreen, link to artist biography.
+3. **3D gallery** — one personal hall per artist, a **movement gallery** (click a movement name), or a **guided tour** hall (timeline → **Tours**): period-themed or tour wings of up to ~55 works, U-shaped hang (left → end wall → right).
+4. **Painting detail** — full work in the centre, *Influenced By* on the left, *Influenced* on the right (paintings, artists, or movements), optional **curator notes** and **art-history notes** with image markers, prev/next catalog browsing, optional fullscreen, link to artist biography.
 5. **Artist biography** — portrait, lifespan, movement, and Wikipedia-sourced intro text (`bio_short` / `bio_full`). With debug mode on, the same image-audit panel as painting detail (portrait search, **Checked** / **Fix it** / **More** / **Clear** / **Upload**).
 
 **Catalog search** — on the timeline home page, the header search bar (`CatalogSearchBar.tsx`) finds artists, paintings, and movements by name and metadata (year, movement, Wikipedia title). Type at least **2 characters** (300 ms debounce); results group into **Artists**, **Movements**, and **Paintings** with thumbnails. Keyboard: `↑`/`↓` to move, `Enter` to open, `Escape` to close. Choosing a result opens the artist gallery, movement gallery, or painting detail. Paintings opened from search show **← Back to Timeline** and return to the home timeline (full year range), not the previous view.
@@ -210,8 +210,8 @@ Pan, zoom, and era/event click-to-zoom only update **local** `viewStart` / `view
 | Overlay **“Loading art history…”** | Until the first catalog fetch (`bounds` + `timeline` + `artists`) completes |
 | Bottom banner **“Loading portraits…”** | While artist portrait thumbnails are still downloading on the movement flow (timeline stays interactive) |
 | Overlay **“Opening artist/movement gallery…”** | Between clicking a portrait/movement and the 3D hall data being ready |
-| Overlay **“Loading gallery…”** | While the 3D canvas initializes after the hall opens (center area; header and controls stay visible) |
-| Overlay **“Loading paintings…”** | While wall textures are still downloading in the 3D hall |
+| Overlay **“Loading gallery…”** | While the 3D canvas initializes, HDR Environment settles, or door/hall shaders warm up after the hall opens (painting images continue loading after the overlay dismisses) |
+| Overlay **“Loading paintings…”** | While wall painting textures are still downloading / uploading to the GPU |
 | Overlay **“Restoring gallery…”** | Briefly after WebGL context loss while the canvas remounts |
 
 View updates are **batched to one commit per animation frame** via `createViewChangeScheduler()` in `timelineView.ts` (`HomePage.tsx` → `handleViewChange`), so rapid scroll-wheel events do not flood React with separate renders.
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ Only **mousedown** on portraits and movement labels stops propagation (so drag-t
 
 The 3D scene supports three modes in `VirtualGallery.tsx`: **artist halls** (personal catalog), **movement galleries** (full movement collection, chronological), and **guided tours** (curator-ordered stops — [tours.md](tours.md)).
 
-**Shared wall hang (all modes):** visit order fills the **left wall first**, then the **right**. The **first** work hangs near the entrance on the left (immediately left of the opening view); the **last** hangs near the entrance on the right. Artist halls use chronological order; movement wings use chronological order within each wing; tours use stop order.
+**Shared wall hang (all modes):** visit order is a **U-shape** — **left wall**, then the **far/end wall** ahead when entering, then the **right wall**. The **first** work hangs near the entrance on the left (immediately left of the opening view); the **last** hangs near the entrance on the right. With fewer than three works, only left/right are used. Artist halls use chronological order; movement wings use chronological order within each wing; tours use stop order.
 
 ### Artist halls
 
@@ -293,15 +293,17 @@ Each artist has **exactly one hall**. The hall is a rectangular room sized to fi
 |------|----------------|
 | One hall per artist | `VirtualGallery.tsx` builds a single room from that artist’s paintings |
 | Catalog depth | Most artists target **≥ 6** notable works via `npm run dev:expand-catalog` and `famous-paintings-data.js`; some masters have larger museum dumps |
-| Paintings on walls | Works hang on the **left and right** walls in **one row per wall**; room **depth grows** when the catalog is large (back wall is for the exit only) |
-| Wall order | Chronological visit order: first half on the **left** (entrance → back), second half on the **right** (back → entrance); first work left of the opening view, last on the right |
+| Paintings on walls | Works hang on **left**, **far/end**, and **right** walls in **one row per wall**; room **depth** and **width** grow with the catalog |
+| Wall order | Chronological U-path: first third **left** (entrance → end), middle third **end wall**, last third **right** (end → entrance) |
 | Floor | Herringbone **parquet** procedural texture (`parquetFloorTexture.ts`) |
 | Wall tint | Gallery walls blend the artist’s **movement colour** into cream plaster tones |
 | Frame finish | **Unchecked** works: black moulding; **Reviewed** (`checkup_checked`): bright gold moulding at **double width** |
 | Influence lamps | A golden picture light appears **above frames** whose work has any influence-graph edge (`has_influence_links` from the API); fixture is mounted **upside down** (`InfluencePictureLamp` in `VirtualGallery.tsx`) |
+| Curator-note plates | A small brass plate hangs **beneath frames** that have non-empty `curator_notes` |
 | Eye-level viewing | Frame centres sit at **eye height (~1.65 m)**; the camera stays **level with the floor** (no pitch up/down) |
 | Open centre | Floor and ceiling only — no columns, pedestals, or other centre objects |
 | Museum exit | Front-wall **double doors** with transom, brass hardware, sconces, marble threshold, and warm vestibule glow |
+| Shadows | **Disabled** — no Canvas shadow maps / `castShadow` (performance; flat lighting only) |
 | Hall-to-hall travel | Exit opens a panel: **Predecessors** (left) and **Successors** (right), each grouped by art movement |
 | Missing images | Works without a local file show a **draped canvas cover** in the frame (not a blank white rectangle) |
 | Detail view return | Opening a painting close-up **keeps the 3D hall mounted** in the background so position and view direction are preserved when you go back |
@@ -329,8 +331,8 @@ Enter from the home page by clicking a **movement name** on the movement flow (`
 |------|----------------|
 | One gallery per movement | All paintings by artists in that movement, sorted chronologically |
 | Wings | Catalog split into wings of up to **55 works** (`movementHallLayout.ts`); large movements (e.g. Baroque) use multiple wings |
-| Paintings on walls | **Left and right walls only** — back wall reserved for exit, front for passage to the next wing |
-| Wall order | Same shared hang as artist halls: first half left (entrance → back), second half right (back → entrance) |
+| Paintings on walls | **Left, end, and right** — end-wall works sit on the panels beside the exit doors; front wall remains passage / solid |
+| Wall order | Same U-shaped hang as artist halls (left → end → right) |
 | Frame captions | **Year · artist** label below each frame |
 | Period interior | Each of the 26 seeded movements maps to a unique style in `movement-interior-styles.ts` (Italian palazzo, Baroque palace, NYC loft, white cube, etc.) |
 | Wall materials | Hi-res **procedural textures** with normal maps (`galleryProceduralTextures.ts`): real-world stone, marble, wood panelling, brick, velvet, stucco — plus **single-colour painted walls** (`painted-lime`, `painted-oil-matte`, `painted-oil-satin`, `painted-emulsion`, `painted-flat`) tinted per movement for Renaissance salons through modern white cubes |
@@ -362,7 +364,7 @@ Enter from the home page **Tours** popup (`GET /api/tours/:id`). Layout reuses t
 |------|----------------|
 | Visit order | Curator `sort_order` on `tour_stops` (not chronological) |
 | Wings | Same ~55-per-wing split as movements; order preserved across wings |
-| Wall hang | Same left-then-right rule as other halls |
+| Wall hang | Same U-shaped hang as other halls (left → end → right) |
 | Detail | Tour stop text panel; ‹ › walks tour stops |
 | Exit | Wing navigator / **Exit to Timeline** (no influence picker) |
 
@@ -370,7 +372,9 @@ Full guide: [tours.md](tours.md).
 
 ### Shared 3D behaviour
 
-**3D images** use locally cached files only (`galleryImageUrl` in `client/src/api/client.ts`). Remote fetches are too slow for realtime WebGL textures; the client calls `POST /api/artists/:id/preload-images` automatically when entering an **artist** hall (public route — links disk files only). Movement galleries load painting lists from the API without a separate preload step. While a texture is loading, the frame shows the canvas cover instead of a white placeholder. The center of the hall shows **“Loading gallery…”** until the WebGL canvas is ready, then **“Loading paintings…”** until every wall texture has resolved (tracked through `GalleryTextureLoadContext`). The 3D hall stays mounted while painting detail or bio overlays are open; returning remounts the canvas when the hall becomes active again.
+**3D images** use locally cached files only (`galleryImageUrl` in `client/src/api/client.ts`). Remote fetches are too slow for realtime WebGL textures; the client calls `POST /api/artists/:id/preload-images` automatically when entering an **artist** hall (public route — links disk files only). Movement galleries load painting lists from the API without a separate preload step. While a texture is loading, the frame shows the canvas cover instead of a white placeholder.
+
+**Boot overlay** (`VirtualGallery.tsx`): the center shows **“Loading gallery…”** until the WebGL canvas is ready, HDR `Environment` has settled (or timed out / failed), and a one-shot `gl.compileAsync` warm-up finishes so entrance doors / passages (often frustum-culled at spawn) do not hitch on the first turn. Painting textures keep loading in the background (prefer thumbnails; per-image timeouts; GPU upload after decode) so large halls (50+ works) are not stuck on the overlay. Env and shader warm-up also have short timeouts. The 3D hall stays mounted while painting detail or bio overlays are open; returning remounts the canvas when the hall becomes active again.
 
 **WebGL context-loss recovery:** on some GPUs/drivers (notably certain Chrome setups) the browser can drop the WebGL context right after entering a hall, which would otherwise leave a permanent dark window. `VirtualGallery.tsx` listens for `webglcontextlost` / `webglcontextrestored`, calls `preventDefault()` so the browser can restore the context, and remounts the `<Canvas>` with a fresh context (a **“Restoring gallery…”** overlay shows briefly). The network-loaded HDR `Environment` map is wrapped in an error boundary so, if it fails to load, the hall still renders without reflections instead of unmounting the whole scene.
 
@@ -382,6 +386,7 @@ Opened from the 3D hall (artist, movement, or tour wing — click a frame) or fr
 |-------|----------------|
 | **Detail** | Centre image, *Influenced By* (left) and *Influenced* (right) — painting thumbnails (full work visible, letterboxed), artist portraits, or movement swatches — position in catalog (e.g. `3 of 12`) |
 | **Tour notes** | When opened from a guided tour: stop text panel under the image (English body from `tour_stops`) |
+| **Curator notes** | Public editorial text on the painting (`paintings.curator_notes`); visitors see it when non-empty; curators edit inline on the detail page |
 | **Art history notes** | Numbered markers on the image (when positioned) plus a note list below — short citations from Gombrich, museum catalogs, Wikipedia, etc. (`painting_annotations` table) |
 | **Fullscreen** | Click the centre image; `Escape` or click anywhere to return to detail only |
 
@@ -428,7 +433,7 @@ Next to the toggle, **Show more** (checkbox, persisted in `localStorage`) opens
 - **3D gallery images** use locally cached files only; slow remote fetches would break realtime rendering. The client calls `POST /api/artists/:id/preload-images` automatically when entering an **artist** hall (public route — links disk files only).
 - **3D gallery session** stays mounted while painting detail or bio overlays are open; returning to the hall remounts the WebGL canvas when it becomes active again.
 - **3D gallery resilience:** a lost WebGL context is recovered by remounting the canvas with a fresh context (rather than showing a dark window), and the HDR environment map is isolated behind an error boundary so its failure never blanks the scene.
-- **Loading feedback:** `GalleryLoadingMarker` surfaces catalog load, portrait download, gallery entry, painting-texture load, and context-restore states so the user always knows work is still in progress.
+- **Loading feedback:** `GalleryLoadingMarker` surfaces catalog load, portrait download, gallery entry, painting-texture / GPU warm-up, Environment settle, and context-restore states so the user always knows work is still in progress.
 - **Influence data** is stored in **`painting_influence_sources`** (directed links from paintings to source paintings, artists, or movements), with optional period fields and citation metadata. Sources include curated scholarship (`art-influences-data.js`) and **PainterPalette** (`discovered_via = painter-palette`). Legacy `painting_influences` mirrors painting-to-painting edges for scripts only.
 
 ## User roles and access

Documentation/data-and-images.md

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ File names are sanitised `{Artist}_{Title}.{ext}`. The image service can redisco
 | **Development** | `./data/images/` in repo | Working copy on dev PC |
 | **Production** | `/mnt/BasePool/Applications/Gallery/data/images` on TrueNAS | SMB `\\192.168.10.122\Gallery\data\images` |
 
-**One-direction promote:** `npm run devtoprod:images` (dev → prod, skip older). **Refresh dev from prod:** `npm run prodto:dev:images`. **Bidirectional merge** (newer file wins): `npm run harmonize:images` or full `npm run harmonize` — see [harmonize-dev-prod.md](harmonize-dev-prod.md). General sync reference: [environments.md](environments.md).
+**One-direction promote:** `npm run devtoprod:images` (dev → prod, skip older). **Refresh all images on dev from prod:** `npm run prodto:dev:images`. **One artist only:** map the SMB share, then `robocopy` that artist’s `ArtistName*` files under `paintings/` and `paintings/thumbs/` (see [FAC.md](FAC.md#dev--prod-image-sync-smb)). **Bidirectional merge** (newer file wins): `npm run harmonize:images` or full `npm run harmonize` — see [harmonize-dev-prod.md](harmonize-dev-prod.md). General sync reference: [environments.md](environments.md).
 
 ## Scripts overview
 
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ To add or fix a branch, edit `MOVEMENT_LINEAGE` in that file and rebuild the cli
 
 Separate from movement lineage layout, `client/src/data/movement-interior-styles.ts` defines a **unique 3D interior** for each seeded art movement (26 styles): wall/floor/ceiling textures, trim colours, window style, and architectural details (columns, coffered ceilings, etc.). Textures are generated procedurally in `client/src/utils/galleryProceduralTextures.ts`.
 
-Wing layout (up to 55 works per wing, side-wall-only hang, window gap placement) lives in `client/src/utils/movementHallLayout.ts`. Visit order fills the **left wall** (first work at the entrance), then the **right** (last work at the entrance). The same hang applies to artist halls and guided tours. To change a movement’s look, edit its entry in `movement-interior-styles.ts` and rebuild the client.
+Wing layout (up to 55 works per wing, U-shaped hang, window gap placement) lives in `client/src/utils/movementHallLayout.ts`. Visit order fills the **left wall** (first work at the entrance), then the **far/end wall**, then the **right** (last work at the entrance). The same hang applies to artist halls and guided tours. To change a movement’s look, edit its entry in `movement-interior-styles.ts` and rebuild the client.
 
 ## Historical event markers (frontend timeline)
 
@@ -282,9 +282,22 @@ Wing layout (up to 55 works per wing, side-wall-only hang, window gap placement)
 
 Edit `HISTORICAL_EVENTS` and rebuild the client to extend the set.
 
+## Curator notes (painting editorial text)
+
+Public notes authored by curators on a painting — separate from Wikipedia `description`, tour stop text, and art-history annotations.
+
+| Aspect | Detail |
+|--------|--------|
+| Storage | `paintings.curator_notes` (`TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT ''`) |
+| Migration | `db/migrate-curator-notes.sql` via `npm run dev:migrate` |
+| UI | Panel on painting detail (after tour notes, before description); curators edit inline when signed in |
+| Hall marker | Small brass plate beneath the frame in the 3D hall when notes are non-empty |
+| API | Included on `GET /api/paintings/:id` (`p.*`); update via `PATCH /api/paintings/:id/curator-notes` (curator) |
+| i18n | Canonical English only for now (not in the translations pipeline) |
+
 ## Painting annotations (art-history notes)
 
-Short curator-style notes on the painting detail page — separate from the influence graph.
+Short art-history citations on the painting detail page — separate from the influence graph and from `curator_notes`.
 
 | Aspect | Detail |
 |--------|--------|

Documentation/deploy-dev-to-prod.md

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Step-by-step guide for promoting the **development** version of Gallery to **pro
 | URL | https://devgallery.mysuperlab.netcraze.pro | https://gallery.mysuperlab.netcraze.pro |
 | Env file | root [`.env`](../.env) (`gallery_dev`) | [`infra/docker/.env.prod`](../infra/docker/.env.prod) (`gallery_prod`) |
 
-All commands run on the **dev PC** from the repo root (`C:\Users\SNAP\Nextcloud\Personal\Repo\Gallery`) unless a step says **TrueNAS**.
+All commands run on the **dev PC** from the repo root (`T:\Repo\Gallery`) unless a step says **TrueNAS**.
 
 ---
 

Documentation/environments.md

@@ -90,14 +90,14 @@ If STEP 2 fails with “database already exists”, STEP 0 likely already shows
 **Alternative (dev PC with psql installed):**
 
 ```powershell
-cd C:\Users\SNAP\Nextcloud\Personal\Repo\Gallery
+cd T:\Repo\Gallery
 psql -h 192.168.10.122 -U postgres -d postgres -f db/split-dev-prod.sql
 ```
 
 **Alternative (Node, postgres password in env):**
 
 ```powershell
-cd C:\Users\SNAP\Nextcloud\Personal\Repo\Gallery
+cd T:\Repo\Gallery
 $env:PGHOST="192.168.10.122"; $env:PGUSER="postgres"; $env:PGPASSWORD="YOUR_POSTGRES_PASSWORD"
 npm run infra:db:split-dev-prod
 ```
@@ -113,17 +113,16 @@ npm run infra:db:split-dev-prod
    PORT=3451
    PUBLIC_URL=https://devgallery.mysuperlab.netcraze.pro
    SESSION_SECRET=your-long-random-secret
-   SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE=false
    CURATOR_USERNAME=curator
    CURATOR_PASSWORD=your-secure-password
    ```
 
-   `npm run dev:migrate` creates auth tables and bootstraps the first curator when `users` is empty.
+   Omit `SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE` so cookies follow the request scheme (`TRUST_PROXY` + HTTPS → Secure). Set `true`/`false` to force. `npm run dev:migrate` creates auth tables and bootstraps the first curator when `users` is empty. Reset password later with `npm run dev:reset-curator`.
 
 2. Run:
 
    ```powershell
-   cd C:\Users\SNAP\Nextcloud\Personal\Repo\Gallery
+   cd T:\Repo\Gallery
    npm run dev:migrate
    npm run dev:web
    ```
@@ -156,7 +155,7 @@ Requires SMB share **`Gallery`** → `/mnt/BasePool/Applications/Gallery` on Tru
 # Map share (use your TrueNAS SMB user/password)
 net use \\192.168.10.122\Gallery /user:YOUR_TRUENAS_USER
 
-cd C:\Users\SNAP\Nextcloud\Personal\Repo\Gallery
+cd T:\Repo\Gallery
 npm run devtoprod:images
 ```
 
@@ -173,7 +172,7 @@ If `net use` fails, open `\\192.168.10.122\Gallery` in File Explorer and sign in
 Prerequisites: **Docker Desktop running**, logged in to Gitea.
 
 ```powershell
-cd C:\Users\SNAP\Nextcloud\Personal\Repo\Gallery
+cd T:\Repo\Gallery
 docker login gitea.mysuperlab.netcraze.pro
 npm run prod:docker:publish
 ```
@@ -254,10 +253,9 @@ Expect **HTTP 200** (not 502).
 PUBLIC_URL=https://devgallery.mysuperlab.netcraze.pro
 TRUST_PROXY=true
 SESSION_SECRET=your-long-random-secret
-SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE=false
 ```
 
-Prod (`infra/docker/.env.prod`): set `SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE=true` and the same `SESSION_SECRET` / `CURATOR_*` vars on the TrueNAS app environment.
+Omit `SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE` for auto Secure cookies behind Keenetic HTTPS. Prod (`infra/docker/.env.prod`): set `SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE=true` and the same `SESSION_SECRET` / `CURATOR_*` vars on the TrueNAS app environment.
 
 Restart `npm run dev:web` after changing `PUBLIC_URL`.
 

Documentation/harmonize-dev-prod.md

@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ For refreshing dev from prod entirely, use `npm run prodto:dev:db` (destructive
    net use \\192.168.10.122\Gallery /user:YOUR_TRUENAS_USER
    ```
 
-5. Copy harmonize config:
+5. Copy **dedicated** harmonize config (do not rely on `devtoprod.config.json` alone — that file is a release profile and its step flags are ignored for harmonize):
 
    ```powershell
    Copy-Item infra/deploy/harmonize.config.example.json infra/deploy/harmonize.config.json
@@ -53,6 +53,8 @@ For refreshing dev from prod entirely, use `npm run prodto:dev:db` (destructive
 
    Edit `harmonize.config.json` (gitignored) — optional `smb.user` / `smb.password`, `prefer` for tie-breaks (`dev` | `prod`), `schemaChanged: true` when new migrations shipped.
 
+6. Prod DB targeting uses [`infra/docker/.env.prod`](../infra/docker/.env.prod). `scripts/db-env.js` loads that file with **file values winning** over the root `.env`, so `harmonize:db` can open `gallery_dev` and `gallery_prod` in the same process without the safety check rejecting `gallery_dev` as a fake prod target.
+
 ---
 
 ## One-command harmonize
@@ -107,7 +109,9 @@ Reports are written to `db/SyncReports/harmonize_db_*.json` and `harmonize_image
 
 Processed in FK order:
 
-`historical_eras` → `art_movements` → `artists` → `artist_periods` → `paintings` → `painting_influences` → `painting_influence_sources` → `painting_annotations` → **`entity_translations`**
+`historical_eras` → `art_movements` → `artists` → `artist_periods` → `paintings` → `painting_influences` → `painting_influence_sources` → `painting_annotations` → **`entity_translations`** → **`tours`** → **`tour_stops`**
+
+Every synced table needs an `updated_at` column (including `tour_stops` — added via `migrate-tours.sql` / `migrate-sync-timestamps.sql`).
 
 ---
 
@@ -134,6 +138,7 @@ Harmonize reports conflicts in the JSON report and skips those rows:
 | New migration in repo | `harmonize:schema` or deploy step 4 |
 | Only images changed on one side | `npm run harmonize:images` |
 | Only DB metadata changed | `npm run harmonize:db` |
+| Pull **one artist’s** images from prod → dev | Map SMB, then robocopy `Duccio*` (or the artist prefix) under `paintings/` and `paintings/thumbs/` — see [FAC.md — Dev ↔ prod image sync](FAC.md#dev--prod-image-sync-smb) |
 
 ---
 
@@ -163,6 +168,16 @@ npm run harmonize
 
 ---
 
+## Troubleshooting
+
+| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
+|---------|--------------|-----|
+| `Refusing prod operation on database "gallery_dev"` | Old `db-env` left `DB_NAME` from root `.env` when loading prod | Update to current `scripts/db-env.js` (`.env.prod` wins); confirm `infra/docker/.env.prod` has `DB_NAME=gallery_prod` |
+| `Table tour_stops missing updated_at` | Prod/dev schema behind | `npm run dev:migrate` and migrate prod (`$env:DB_NAME="gallery_prod"; npm run dev:migrate; Remove-Item Env:\DB_NAME`) |
+| Orchestrator lists release steps (`restoreProd`, …) | Missing `harmonize.config.json`; fallback to release config | Copy `harmonize.config.example.json` → `harmonize.config.json` (current `harmonize.ps1` ignores release-only step keys) |
+
+---
+
 ## Safety
 
 - Pre-flight backups of dev and prod DB (configurable; on by default)

Documentation/i18n-russian.md

@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ API (curator-only): see [API.md](API.md#translations-curator).
 | `era`, `movement` | `name`, `description` |
 | `artist` | `name`, `bio_short`, `bio_full` |
 | `artist_period` | `name`, `description` |
-| `painting` | `title`, `description` |
+| `painting` | `title`, `description` (not `curator_notes` — English-only for now) |
 | `annotation` | `label`, `body` |
 | `influence_source` | `notes`, `aspects`, `quote`, `period_note` |
 

Documentation/setup.md

@@ -29,9 +29,9 @@ cp .env.example .env
 | `TRUST_PROXY` | Set to `true` when behind nginx/reverse proxy (honours `X-Forwarded-*`) |
 | `IMAGE_DIR` | Root for cached images (default `./data/images`) |
 | `SESSION_SECRET` | Random string for signed session cookies (required for curator login) |
-| `SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE` | `false` for local HTTP dev; `true` in prod behind HTTPS |
-| `CURATOR_USERNAME` | Bootstrap only — first curator account name (default `curator`) |
-| `CURATOR_PASSWORD` | Bootstrap only — password for first curator when `users` table is empty |
+| `SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE` | Optional — omit for auto (HTTPS via proxy → Secure); set `true`/`false` to force |
+| `CURATOR_USERNAME` | Bootstrap / reset — curator account name (default `curator`) |
+| `CURATOR_PASSWORD` | Bootstrap when `users` is empty; also used by `npm run dev:reset-curator` |
 
 `.env` is git-ignored; never commit passwords.
 
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ If migration fails with permission errors, grant schema rights to the app user f
 
 ### Curator accounts (auth migration)
 
-`npm run dev:migrate` applies `db/migrate-auth.sql` (`users`, `curator_audit_log`, `session` tables). When the `users` table is empty and `CURATOR_USERNAME` / `CURATOR_PASSWORD` are set in `.env`, the first curator account is created automatically.
+`npm run dev:migrate` applies `db/migrate-auth.sql` (`users`, `curator_audit_log`, `session` tables). When the `users` table is empty and `CURATOR_USERNAME` / `CURATOR_PASSWORD` are set in `.env`, the first curator account is created automatically. To sync the password from `.env` later, run `npm run dev:reset-curator`.
 
 After migrate, sign in from the site header (**Curator login**). Debug mode, Checkup, Translations, Influences, Tour editor, and all mutating debug APIs require an active curator session. Anonymous visitors browse the timeline, published Tours, and 3D halls without logging in.
 
@@ -283,9 +283,10 @@ After clone: copy `.env.example` → `.env`, install dependencies, run [one-time
 | Movement gallery shows generic cream walls | Stale client build | `cd client && npm run build`; hard-refresh browser |
 | Windows overlap paintings in movement wing | Stale client | Rebuild client — windows are placed only on side walls in gaps between frames |
 | Influence thumbnails cropped on painting detail | Stale client build | `npm run prod:build` — panels use `object-fit: contain` for full image |
-| **Curator login** fails / always guest | Auth tables missing or wrong password | Set `SESSION_SECRET` + `CURATOR_PASSWORD` in `.env`, run `npm run dev:migrate`, restart server |
+| **Curator login** fails / always guest | Auth tables missing or wrong password | Set `SESSION_SECRET` + `CURATOR_PASSWORD` in `.env`, run `npm run dev:migrate` (or `npm run dev:reset-curator`), restart server |
 | Debug / Checkup returns **401** | Not signed in as curator | **Curator login** (top-right); session cookie `gallery.sid` must be sent (`credentials: include`) |
 | Debug works in UI but API rejects | Stale server without auth middleware | Restart `npm run dev:web` or `npm run dev:server` after pulling auth changes |
 | **Empty screen** entering 3D hall (header missing) | Stale client before gallery-session fix | Hard-refresh; pull latest client — hall renders from `view` state, not only `gallerySession` |
 | **Dark center** entering 3D hall (header visible, no spinner) | Stale client before gallery loading overlay fix | Hard-refresh; latest client shows **Loading gallery…** / **Loading paintings…** in the canvas area until ready |
+| 3D hall loading overlay never clears | Stuck texture counter or hung HDR | Hard-refresh; current client times out Environment / shader warm-up so the overlay cannot stay forever |
 | 3D hall black after returning from painting detail | WebGL context lost while hall was hidden | Hard-refresh; latest client remounts canvas when hall becomes active again |

client/src/api/client.ts

@@ -64,6 +64,14 @@ export async function loginCurator(username: string, password: string): Promise<
     body: JSON.stringify({ username, password }),
   });
   if (!res.ok) {
+    const contentType = res.headers.get('content-type') || '';
+    if (!contentType.includes('application/json')) {
+      throw new Error(
+        res.status === 401
+          ? 'Login blocked by the reverse proxy (not the gallery). Use http://localhost:5173 or fix Keenetic access.'
+          : `Login failed: HTTP ${res.status}`
+      );
+    }
     const body = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
     throw new Error(body.error || `Login failed: ${res.status}`);
   }
@@ -436,6 +444,20 @@ export const api = {
       return res.json() as Promise<{ checked: boolean; fixed: boolean }>;
     }),
 
+  updatePaintingCuratorNotes: (id: number, curatorNotes: string) =>
+    fetch(`${API}/paintings/${id}/curator-notes`, {
+      ...fetchCredentials,
+      method: 'PATCH',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify({ curatorNotes }),
+    }).then(async (res) => {
+      if (!res.ok) {
+        const body = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
+        throw new Error(body.error || `Update failed: ${res.status}`);
+      }
+      return res.json() as Promise<{ curatorNotes: string }>;
+    }),
+
   getArtistDebugPortraitSearch: (id: number) =>
     fetchJson<DebugImageSearchResult>(`${API}/artists/${id}/debug-portrait-search`),
 

client/src/components/GalleryWindows.tsx

@@ -181,7 +181,6 @@ function SingleWindow({
         intensity={spec.lightIntensity}
         distance={14}
         color={spec.lightColor}
-        castShadow={false}
       />
       <pointLight
         position={[0, 0, 0.25]}
@@ -250,7 +249,6 @@ export function GalleryTrackLights({
             intensity={intensity}
             distance={8}
             color={color}
-            castShadow={false}
           />
         </group>
       ))}

client/src/components/HallPassage.tsx

@@ -46,14 +46,14 @@ export default function HallPassage({
 
       {/* Side jambs */}
       {([-1, 1] as const).map((sign) => (
-        <mesh key={sign} position={[sign * (openingW / 2 + jamb / 2), openingH / 2, faceZ]} castShadow>
+        <mesh key={sign} position={[sign * (openingW / 2 + jamb / 2), openingH / 2, faceZ]}>
           <boxGeometry args={[jamb, openingH + 0.1, 0.1]} />
           <meshStandardMaterial color={trimColor} roughness={0.45} metalness={0.25} />
         </mesh>
       ))}
 
       {/* Arch header */}
-      <mesh position={[0, openingH + 0.06, faceZ]} castShadow>
+      <mesh position={[0, openingH + 0.06, faceZ]}>
         <boxGeometry args={[openingW + jamb * 2, 0.14, 0.1]} />
         <meshStandardMaterial color={trimColor} roughness={0.4} metalness={0.3} />
       </mesh>

client/src/components/MovementHallDetails.tsx

@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ function PalazzoDetails({ width, depth, halfW, halfD, trim }: Props & { trim: st
     <group>
       {pilasterPositions.map(([x, z], i) => (
         <group key={i} position={[x, 0, z]}>
-          <mesh position={[0, 1.8, 0]} castShadow>
+          <mesh position={[0, 1.8, 0]}>
             <boxGeometry args={[0.22, 3.6, 0.22]} />
             <meshStandardMaterial color="#e8dcc8" roughness={0.85} metalness={0.05} />
           </mesh>

client/src/components/PaintingDetail.css

@@ -441,6 +441,115 @@
   font-style: italic;
 }
 
+.curator-notes-panel {
+  max-width: 700px;
+  width: 100%;
+  margin-top: 20px;
+  padding: 16px 18px;
+  background: rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.1);
+  border-radius: 6px;
+  border: 1px solid rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.28);
+}
+
+.curator-notes-header {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  gap: 12px;
+  margin-bottom: 10px;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-panel h3 {
+  margin: 0;
+  font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;
+  font-size: 15px;
+  font-weight: 600;
+  color: #c9a96e;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-body {
+  margin: 0;
+  font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;
+  font-size: 14px;
+  line-height: 1.7;
+  color: rgba(232, 213, 181, 0.92);
+  white-space: pre-wrap;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-empty {
+  margin: 0;
+  font-size: 13px;
+  color: rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.55);
+  font-style: italic;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-edit-btn,
+.curator-notes-save-btn,
+.curator-notes-cancel-btn {
+  font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;
+  font-size: 13px;
+  padding: 4px 10px;
+  border-radius: 4px;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  border: 1px solid rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.45);
+  background: transparent;
+  color: #c9a96e;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-edit-btn:hover,
+.curator-notes-cancel-btn:hover {
+  background: rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.12);
+}
+
+.curator-notes-save-btn {
+  background: rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.2);
+  color: #e8d5b5;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-save-btn:hover:not(:disabled) {
+  background: rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.32);
+}
+
+.curator-notes-edit-btn:disabled,
+.curator-notes-save-btn:disabled,
+.curator-notes-cancel-btn:disabled {
+  opacity: 0.55;
+  cursor: not-allowed;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-textarea {
+  display: block;
+  width: 100%;
+  box-sizing: border-box;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 10px 12px;
+  border-radius: 4px;
+  border: 1px solid rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.35);
+  background: rgba(15, 15, 26, 0.55);
+  color: rgba(232, 213, 181, 0.95);
+  font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;
+  font-size: 14px;
+  line-height: 1.6;
+  resize: vertical;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-textarea:focus {
+  outline: none;
+  border-color: rgba(201, 169, 110, 0.7);
+}
+
+.curator-notes-actions {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 8px;
+  margin-top: 10px;
+}
+
+.curator-notes-error {
+  margin: 8px 0 0;
+  font-size: 13px;
+  color: #e08a6a;
+}
+
 .painting-description {
   max-width: 700px;
   margin-top: 20px;

client/src/components/PaintingDetail.tsx

@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ interface Props {
   onCatalogNavigate: (paintingId: number) => void;
   onArtistBio: () => void;
   onInfluenceArtistClick?: (artistId: number) => void;
+  isCurator?: boolean;
   debugMode?: boolean;
   debugShowMore?: boolean;
   onPaintingImageFixed?: (
@@ -32,6 +33,7 @@ interface Props {
     flags: { checked: boolean; fixed: boolean }
   ) => void | Promise<void>;
   onPaintingRemoved?: (paintingId: number, artistId: number) => void | Promise<void>;
+  onCuratorNotesUpdated?: (paintingId: number, curatorNotes: string) => void;
 }
 
 function influenceKey(inf: InfluenceLink, index: number): string {
@@ -203,15 +205,22 @@ export default function PaintingDetailView({
   onCatalogNavigate,
   onArtistBio,
   onInfluenceArtistClick,
+  isCurator = false,
   debugMode = false,
   debugShowMore = false,
   onPaintingImageFixed,
   onPaintingCheckupFlagsUpdated,
   onPaintingRemoved,
+  onCuratorNotesUpdated,
 }: Props) {
   const { t } = useTranslation('painting');
   const { painting, influencedBy, influenced, annotations = [] } = data;
   const inTour = tourText != null;
+  const [curatorNotes, setCuratorNotes] = useState(painting.curator_notes ?? '');
+  const [editingNotes, setEditingNotes] = useState(false);
+  const [notesDraft, setNotesDraft] = useState(painting.curator_notes ?? '');
+  const [savingNotes, setSavingNotes] = useState(false);
+  const [notesError, setNotesError] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [fullscreen, setFullscreen] = useState(false);
   const [imageVersion, setImageVersion] = useState(0);
   const [debugSearch, setDebugSearch] = useState<DebugImageSearchResult | null>(null);
@@ -257,7 +266,13 @@ export default function PaintingDetailView({
     setMarkingChecked(false);
     setApplyingUrl(null);
     setMoreLoading(false);
-  }, [painting.id]);
+    const notes = painting.curator_notes ?? '';
+    setCuratorNotes(notes);
+    setNotesDraft(notes);
+    setEditingNotes(false);
+    setSavingNotes(false);
+    setNotesError(null);
+  }, [painting.id, painting.curator_notes]);
 
   useEffect(() => {
     if (!debugMode) {
@@ -291,6 +306,34 @@ export default function PaintingDetailView({
     };
   }, [debugMode, uploading, painting.id, painting.title, painting.artist_name]);
 
+  const startEditingNotes = () => {
+    setNotesDraft(curatorNotes);
+    setNotesError(null);
+    setEditingNotes(true);
+  };
+
+  const cancelEditingNotes = () => {
+    setNotesDraft(curatorNotes);
+    setNotesError(null);
+    setEditingNotes(false);
+  };
+
+  const saveCuratorNotes = async () => {
+    setSavingNotes(true);
+    setNotesError(null);
+    try {
+      const result = await api.updatePaintingCuratorNotes(painting.id, notesDraft);
+      setCuratorNotes(result.curatorNotes);
+      setNotesDraft(result.curatorNotes);
+      setEditingNotes(false);
+      onCuratorNotesUpdated?.(painting.id, result.curatorNotes);
+    } catch {
+      setNotesError(t('curatorNotesSaveFailed'));
+    } finally {
+      setSavingNotes(false);
+    }
+  };
+
   const applyImageUpdate = async (fixResult: FixPaintingImageResult) => {
     setImageVersion((v) => v + 1);
     if (onPaintingImageFixed) {
@@ -586,6 +629,57 @@ export default function PaintingDetailView({
               )}
             </aside>
           )}
+          {(isCurator || curatorNotes.trim()) && (
+            <aside className="curator-notes-panel" aria-label={t('curatorNotes')}>
+              <div className="curator-notes-header">
+                <h3>{t('curatorNotes')}</h3>
+                {isCurator && !editingNotes && (
+                  <button
+                    type="button"
+                    className="curator-notes-edit-btn"
+                    onClick={startEditingNotes}
+                  >
+                    {t('curatorNotesEdit')}
+                  </button>
+                )}
+              </div>
+              {editingNotes ? (
+                <div className="curator-notes-editor">
+                  <textarea
+                    className="curator-notes-textarea"
+                    value={notesDraft}
+                    onChange={(e) => setNotesDraft(e.target.value)}
+                    rows={6}
+                    disabled={savingNotes}
+                    aria-label={t('curatorNotes')}
+                  />
+                  {notesError && <p className="curator-notes-error">{notesError}</p>}
+                  <div className="curator-notes-actions">
+                    <button
+                      type="button"
+                      className="curator-notes-save-btn"
+                      onClick={saveCuratorNotes}
+                      disabled={savingNotes}
+                    >
+                      {savingNotes ? t('curatorNotesSaving') : t('curatorNotesSave')}
+                    </button>
+                    <button
+                      type="button"
+                      className="curator-notes-cancel-btn"
+                      onClick={cancelEditingNotes}
+                      disabled={savingNotes}
+                    >
+                      {t('curatorNotesCancel')}
+                    </button>
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+              ) : curatorNotes.trim() ? (
+                <p className="curator-notes-body">{curatorNotes}</p>
+              ) : (
+                <p className="curator-notes-empty">{t('curatorNotesEmpty')}</p>
+              )}
+            </aside>
+          )}
           {painting.description && (
             <div className="painting-description">
               <p>{painting.description}</p>

client/src/components/VirtualGallery.tsx

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import type {
   TourGalleryDetail,
 } from '../types';
 import { galleryImageUrlWithRevision, imageUrl, api } from '../api/client';
-import { comparePaintingsChronological, paintingHasInfluenceLinks, paintingWallCaption } from '../utils/paintingUtils';
+import { comparePaintingsChronological, paintingHasCuratorNotes, paintingHasInfluenceLinks, paintingWallCaption } from '../utils/paintingUtils';
 import { cloneSurfaceTexture, getSurfaceTexture } from '../utils/galleryProceduralTextures';
 import { resolveMovementInteriorStyle, type MovementInteriorStyle, type GalleryWindowSpec } from '../data/movement-interior-styles';
 import { useTexturedMaterial } from '../hooks/useTexturedMaterial';
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ const GalleryTextureLoadContext = createContext<{
  * from unmounting the whole 3D scene and leaving a dark window.
  */
 class SceneErrorBoundary extends Component<
-  { children: ReactNode; fallback?: ReactNode },
+  { children: ReactNode; fallback?: ReactNode; onError?: () => void },
   { hasError: boolean }
 > {
   state = { hasError: false };
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ class SceneErrorBoundary extends Component<
 
   componentDidCatch(error: unknown) {
     console.warn('Gallery scene subtree failed, continuing without it.', error);
+    this.props.onError?.();
   }
 
   render() {
@@ -97,6 +98,9 @@ const REVIEWED_MAT_BORDER = FRAME_MAT_BORDER * 2;
 const REVIEWED_RAIL = FRAME_RAIL * 2;
 const EYE_HEIGHT = 1.65;
 const FRAME_GAP = 0.32;
+const SHADER_WARM_TIMEOUT_MS = 4000;
+/** Per-image fetch/decode deadline so a stuck request cannot hold the counter forever. */
+const TEXTURE_LOAD_TIMEOUT_MS = 10000;
 const MIN_FRAME_W = 0.45;
 const MAX_FRAME_W = 1.05;
 const MAX_FRAME_H = 1.35;
@@ -294,17 +298,26 @@ function minSpanForWall(paintings: Painting[], maxRows: number = paintings.lengt
 }
 
 /**
- * Visit order along the side walls: first half on the left (starting at the
- * entrance, left of the opening view), second half on the right (ending at the
- * entrance). Back wall stays empty so first/last always sit on left/right.
+ * U-shaped visit order:
+ *   left wall (first, near entrance) → far/end wall → right wall (last, near entrance).
+ * Fewer than 3 works keep the old left/right split so first stays left and last stays right.
+ * The far wall is the solid wall ahead when entering (code side `'back'`).
  */
 function distributePaintingsAcrossWalls(paintings: Painting[]) {
   const ordered = [...paintings].sort(comparePaintingsChronological);
-  const mid = Math.ceil(ordered.length / 2);
+  const n = ordered.length;
+  if (n < 3) {
+    const mid = Math.ceil(n / 2);
+    return [[] as Painting[], ordered.slice(0, mid), ordered.slice(mid)];
+  }
+  const q = Math.floor(n / 3);
+  const r = n % 3;
+  const leftCount = q + (r > 0 ? 1 : 0);
+  const backCount = q + (r > 1 ? 1 : 0);
   return [
-    [] as Painting[],
-    ordered.slice(0, mid),
-    ordered.slice(mid),
+    ordered.slice(leftCount, leftCount + backCount),
+    ordered.slice(0, leftCount),
+    ordered.slice(leftCount + backCount),
   ];
 }
 
@@ -390,18 +403,19 @@ function layoutWallSlots(
 function buildHallLayout(paintings: Painting[], periods: ArtistPeriod[]): HallLayout {
   const walls: WallSide[] = ['back', 'left', 'right'];
   const wallPaintings = distributePaintingsAcrossWalls(paintings);
+  const [backPaintings, leftPaintings, rightPaintings] = wallPaintings;
 
-  let width = minSpanForWall(wallPaintings[0], MAX_WALL_ROWS);
+  let width = minSpanForWall(backPaintings, MAX_WALL_ROWS);
   let depth = Math.max(
-    minSpanForWall(wallPaintings[1], MAX_WALL_ROWS),
-    minSpanForWall(wallPaintings[2], MAX_WALL_ROWS)
+    minSpanForWall(leftPaintings, MAX_WALL_ROWS),
+    minSpanForWall(rightPaintings, MAX_WALL_ROWS)
   );
 
   for (let i = 0; i < 24; i++) {
-    const nextWidth = minSpanForWall(wallPaintings[0], MAX_WALL_ROWS);
+    const nextWidth = minSpanForWall(backPaintings, MAX_WALL_ROWS);
     const nextDepth = Math.max(
-      minSpanForWall(wallPaintings[1], MAX_WALL_ROWS),
-      minSpanForWall(wallPaintings[2], MAX_WALL_ROWS)
+      minSpanForWall(leftPaintings, MAX_WALL_ROWS),
+      minSpanForWall(rightPaintings, MAX_WALL_ROWS)
     );
     if (nextWidth === width && nextDepth === depth) break;
     width = nextWidth;
@@ -568,6 +582,7 @@ function usePaintingTexture(url: string | null) {
   const [texture, setTexture] = useState<THREE.Texture | null>(null);
   const [failed, setFailed] = useState(!url);
   const textureLoad = useContext(GalleryTextureLoadContext);
+  const { gl } = useThree();
 
   useEffect(() => {
     if (!url) {
@@ -590,27 +605,44 @@ function usePaintingTexture(url: string | null) {
     };
 
     textureLoad?.begin();
+    const loadTimeout = window.setTimeout(() => {
+      if (settled || disposed) return;
+      setFailed(true);
+      finish();
+    }, TEXTURE_LOAD_TIMEOUT_MS);
+
     loader.load(
       url,
       (tex) => {
-        finish();
+        window.clearTimeout(loadTimeout);
         if (disposed) {
           tex.dispose();
+          finish();
           return;
         }
         const img = tex.image as HTMLImageElement | undefined;
         if (!img || img.width < 4 || img.height < 4) {
           tex.dispose();
           setFailed(true);
+          finish();
           return;
         }
         loaded = tex;
         tex.colorSpace = THREE.SRGBColorSpace;
         tex.anisotropy = 4;
-        setTexture(tex);
+        // Release the hall overlay counter before GPU upload — large halls
+        // (50+ works) otherwise stay on "Loading paintings…" for a long time.
+        finish();
+        if (!disposed) setTexture(tex);
+        try {
+          if (!disposed) gl.initTexture(tex);
+        } catch {
+          // Upload can fail after context loss; texture still usable later.
+        }
       },
       undefined,
       () => {
+        window.clearTimeout(loadTimeout);
         finish();
         if (!disposed) setFailed(true);
       }
@@ -618,11 +650,12 @@ function usePaintingTexture(url: string | null) {
 
     return () => {
       disposed = true;
+      window.clearTimeout(loadTimeout);
       finish();
       loaded?.dispose();
       setTexture(null);
     };
-  }, [url, textureLoad]);
+  }, [url, textureLoad, gl]);
 
   return { texture, failed };
 }
@@ -644,11 +677,11 @@ function InfluencePictureLamp({
 
   return (
     <group position={[0, mountY, frameDepth * 0.55]} rotation={[Math.PI, 0, 0]} scale={scale}>
-      <mesh position={[0, 0.04, -0.05]} castShadow renderOrder={30}>
+      <mesh position={[0, 0.04, -0.05]} renderOrder={30}>
         <boxGeometry args={[0.11, 0.05, 0.05]} />
         <meshStandardMaterial color="#2f2f2f" metalness={0.9} roughness={0.2} />
       </mesh>
-      <mesh position={[0, 0.01, -0.01]} rotation={[0.25, 0, 0]} castShadow renderOrder={30}>
+      <mesh position={[0, 0.01, -0.01]} rotation={[0.25, 0, 0]} renderOrder={30}>
         <boxGeometry args={[0.04, 0.08, 0.035]} />
         <meshStandardMaterial color="#555555" metalness={0.8} roughness={0.3} />
       </mesh>
@@ -687,13 +720,67 @@ function InfluencePictureLamp({
           intensity={2.2 * glow}
           distance={5}
           color="#fff0c8"
-          castShadow={false}
         />
       </group>
     </group>
   );
 }
 
+function CuratorNotesPlate({
+  frameWidth,
+  frameHeight,
+  matBorder,
+  rail,
+  frameDepth,
+  faceZ,
+  highlighted,
+}: {
+  frameWidth: number;
+  frameHeight: number;
+  matBorder: number;
+  rail: number;
+  frameDepth: number;
+  faceZ: number;
+  highlighted: boolean;
+}) {
+  const plateW = Math.min(0.28, Math.max(0.16, frameWidth * 0.42));
+  const plateH = 0.038;
+  const plateD = 0.012;
+  const y = -frameHeight / 2 - matBorder - rail - plateH / 2 - 0.028;
+  const z = frameDepth + faceZ + 0.01;
+  const brass = highlighted ? '#e8c76a' : '#d4af37';
+  const rim = highlighted ? '#a07828' : '#8a6820';
+
+  return (
+    <group position={[0, y, z]}>
+      {/* Slightly darker rim so the plate reads as a cast metal plaque */}
+      <mesh position={[0, 0, -0.001]} renderOrder={28}>
+        <boxGeometry args={[plateW + 0.012, plateH + 0.01, plateD]} />
+        <meshStandardMaterial color={rim} metalness={0.85} roughness={0.28} />
+      </mesh>
+      <mesh renderOrder={29}>
+        <boxGeometry args={[plateW, plateH, plateD]} />
+        <meshStandardMaterial
+          color={brass}
+          metalness={0.9}
+          roughness={0.22}
+          emissive={highlighted ? '#6a5010' : '#3a2a08'}
+          emissiveIntensity={highlighted ? 0.35 : 0.12}
+        />
+      </mesh>
+      {/* Soft engraved center band */}
+      <mesh position={[0, 0, plateD / 2 + 0.001]} renderOrder={30}>
+        <planeGeometry args={[plateW * 0.72, plateH * 0.28]} />
+        <meshStandardMaterial
+          color={highlighted ? '#b8943a' : '#9a7828'}
+          metalness={0.7}
+          roughness={0.4}
+        />
+      </mesh>
+    </group>
+  );
+}
+
 function PaintingFrame({
   painting,
   position,
@@ -726,6 +813,7 @@ function PaintingFrame({
   const showImage = hasImage && !failed && !!texture;
   const showCanvas = !showImage;
   const hasInfluenceLinks = paintingHasInfluenceLinks(painting);
+  const hasCuratorNotes = paintingHasCuratorNotes(painting);
   const finish = frameFinish(reviewed, hovered);
   const faceZ = FRAME_FACE_Z + (wallSide === 'back' ? 0.012 : 0);
 
@@ -737,6 +825,9 @@ function PaintingFrame({
     }
   }, [texture, showImage]);
 
+  const captionY =
+    -height / 2 - matBorder - rail - (hasCuratorNotes ? 0.18 : 0.1);
+
   return (
     <group position={position} rotation={[0, rotationY, 0]}>
       <spotLight
@@ -750,7 +841,6 @@ function PaintingFrame({
 
       <mesh
         position={[0, 0, frameDepth / 2]}
-        castShadow
         renderOrder={1}
         onClick={(e) => {
           e.stopPropagation();
@@ -812,9 +902,21 @@ function PaintingFrame({
         />
       )}
 
+      {hasCuratorNotes && (
+        <CuratorNotesPlate
+          frameWidth={width}
+          frameHeight={height}
+          matBorder={matBorder}
+          rail={rail}
+          frameDepth={frameDepth}
+          faceZ={faceZ}
+          highlighted={hovered}
+        />
+      )}
+
       {caption && (
         <Text
-          position={[0, -height / 2 - matBorder - rail - 0.1, frameDepth + faceZ + 0.02]}
+          position={[0, captionY, frameDepth + faceZ + 0.02]}
           fontSize={0.085}
           maxWidth={Math.max(width + matBorder * 2, 0.55)}
           color="#4a3828"
@@ -842,7 +944,7 @@ function GalleryWall({
 }) {
   const [w, h] = size;
   return (
-    <mesh position={position} rotation={rotation} receiveShadow renderOrder={0}>
+    <mesh position={position} rotation={rotation} renderOrder={0}>
       <boxGeometry args={[w, h, WALL_THICKNESS]} />
       <meshStandardMaterial color={color} roughness={0.92} />
     </mesh>
@@ -901,7 +1003,7 @@ function ExitPortal({
     const panelInset = 0.06;
     return (
       <group key={side} position={[x, leafY, faceZ]}>
-        <mesh castShadow>
+        <mesh>
           <boxGeometry args={[leafW, leafH, 0.055]} />
           <meshStandardMaterial color={woodMid} roughness={0.62} metalness={0.04} />
         </mesh>
@@ -955,7 +1057,7 @@ function ExitPortal({
       </mesh>
 
       {/* Marble threshold */}
-      <mesh position={[0, 0.025, faceZ + 0.04]} receiveShadow>
+      <mesh position={[0, 0.025, faceZ + 0.04]}>
         <boxGeometry args={[frameW + 0.12, 0.05, 0.14]} />
         <meshStandardMaterial color="#e8e4dc" roughness={0.28} metalness={0.08} />
       </mesh>
@@ -982,14 +1084,14 @@ function ExitPortal({
 
       {/* Side jambs */}
       {([-1, 1] as const).map((sign) => (
-        <mesh key={sign} position={[sign * (openingW / 2 + jamb / 2), frameFullH / 2, faceZ + 0.01]} castShadow>
+        <mesh key={sign} position={[sign * (openingW / 2 + jamb / 2), frameFullH / 2, faceZ + 0.01]}>
           <boxGeometry args={[jamb, frameFullH, 0.1]} />
           <meshStandardMaterial color={woodDark} roughness={0.55} metalness={0.06} />
         </mesh>
       ))}
 
       {/* Header lintel */}
-      <mesh position={[0, openingH + header / 2, faceZ + 0.01]} castShadow>
+      <mesh position={[0, openingH + header / 2, faceZ + 0.01]}>
         <boxGeometry args={[frameW, header, 0.1]} />
         <meshStandardMaterial color={woodMid} roughness={0.58} metalness={0.05} />
       </mesh>
@@ -1020,13 +1122,12 @@ function ExitPortal({
         <mesh
           key={`sur-${sign}`}
           position={[sign * (openingW / 2 + jamb + surround / 2), frameFullH / 2, faceZ - 0.01]}
-          castShadow
         >
           <boxGeometry args={[surround, frameFullH + 0.08, 0.08]} />
           <meshStandardMaterial color={stone} roughness={0.88} />
         </mesh>
       ))}
-      <mesh position={[0, frameFullH + 0.04, faceZ - 0.01]} castShadow>
+      <mesh position={[0, frameFullH + 0.04, faceZ - 0.01]}>
         <boxGeometry args={[frameW + surround * 2, 0.12, 0.08]} />
         <meshStandardMaterial color={stoneDark} roughness={0.82} metalness={0.08} />
       </mesh>
@@ -1139,7 +1240,7 @@ function TexturedWall({
   const [w, h, d] = size;
   const mat = useTexturedMaterial(kind, tint, Math.max(w, d), h);
   return (
-    <mesh position={position} rotation={rotation} receiveShadow material={mat} renderOrder={0}>
+    <mesh position={position} rotation={rotation} material={mat} renderOrder={0}>
       <boxGeometry args={size} />
     </mesh>
   );
@@ -1158,7 +1259,7 @@ function TexturedCeiling({
 }) {
   const mat = useTexturedMaterial(kind, tint, width + 0.4, depth + 0.4);
   return (
-    <mesh rotation={[Math.PI / 2, 0, 0]} position={[0, WALL_HEIGHT, 0]} receiveShadow material={mat}>
+    <mesh rotation={[Math.PI / 2, 0, 0]} position={[0, WALL_HEIGHT, 0]} material={mat}>
       <planeGeometry args={[width + 0.4, depth + 0.4]} />
     </mesh>
   );
@@ -1190,7 +1291,7 @@ function GalleryFloor({
   );
 
   return (
-    <mesh rotation={[-Math.PI / 2, 0, 0]} position={[0, 0.002, 0]} receiveShadow>
+    <mesh rotation={[-Math.PI / 2, 0, 0]} position={[0, 0.002, 0]}>
       <planeGeometry args={[floorW, floorD]} />
       <meshStandardMaterial
         map={texture.map}
@@ -1208,7 +1309,7 @@ function GalleryFloor({
 function ParquetFloor({ width, depth }: { width: number; depth: number }) {
   const mat = useTexturedMaterial('parquet-herringbone', '#c8a882', width + 0.4, depth + 0.4);
   return (
-    <mesh rotation={[-Math.PI / 2, 0, 0]} position={[0, 0.002, 0]} receiveShadow material={mat}>
+    <mesh rotation={[-Math.PI / 2, 0, 0]} position={[0, 0.002, 0]} material={mat}>
       <planeGeometry args={[width + 0.4, depth + 0.4]} />
     </mesh>
   );
@@ -1315,15 +1416,15 @@ function ArtistHall({
         </>
       ) : (
         <>
-          <mesh position={[0, WALL_HEIGHT / 2, -halfD]} receiveShadow renderOrder={0}>
+          <mesh position={[0, WALL_HEIGHT / 2, -halfD]} renderOrder={0}>
             <boxGeometry args={[width, WALL_HEIGHT, WALL_THICKNESS]} />
             {wallMaterial(walls.main)}
           </mesh>
-          <mesh position={[-halfW, WALL_HEIGHT / 2, 0]} rotation={[0, Math.PI / 2, 0]} receiveShadow renderOrder={0}>
+          <mesh position={[-halfW, WALL_HEIGHT / 2, 0]} rotation={[0, Math.PI / 2, 0]} renderOrder={0}>
             <boxGeometry args={[depth, WALL_HEIGHT, WALL_THICKNESS]} />
             {wallMaterial(walls.side)}
           </mesh>
-          <mesh position={[halfW, WALL_HEIGHT / 2, 0]} rotation={[0, Math.PI / 2, 0]} receiveShadow renderOrder={0}>
+          <mesh position={[halfW, WALL_HEIGHT / 2, 0]} rotation={[0, Math.PI / 2, 0]} renderOrder={0}>
             <boxGeometry args={[depth, WALL_HEIGHT, WALL_THICKNESS]} />
             {wallMaterial(walls.side)}
           </mesh>
@@ -1526,6 +1627,65 @@ function FrameloopSync({ active }: { active: boolean }) {
   return null;
 }
 
+/** Fires onReady once Environment (inside Suspense) has resolved and mounted. */
+function EnvironmentGate({
+  onReady,
+  children,
+}: {
+  onReady: () => void;
+  children: ReactNode;
+}) {
+  useEffect(() => {
+    onReady();
+  }, [onReady]);
+  return <>{children}</>;
+}
+
+/** Compile all scene materials (incl. culled doors) before dismissing the loading overlay. */
+function WarmHallGpu({
+  enabled,
+  onDone,
+}: {
+  enabled: boolean;
+  onDone: () => void;
+}) {
+  const { gl, scene, camera } = useThree();
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!enabled) return;
+    let cancelled = false;
+    let settled = false;
+    const done = () => {
+      if (cancelled || settled) return;
+      settled = true;
+      onDone();
+    };
+
+    const run = async () => {
+      try {
+        const compile = typeof gl.compileAsync === 'function'
+          ? gl.compileAsync(scene, camera)
+          : Promise.resolve(gl.compile(scene, camera));
+        await Promise.race([
+          compile,
+          new Promise<void>((resolve) => {
+            window.setTimeout(resolve, SHADER_WARM_TIMEOUT_MS);
+          }),
+        ]);
+      } catch {
+        // Still release the overlay if compile fails — better than hanging forever.
+      }
+      done();
+    };
+    void run();
+    return () => {
+      cancelled = true;
+    };
+  }, [enabled, gl, scene, camera, onDone]);
+
+  return null;
+}
+
 function CameraController({
   position,
   target,
@@ -1720,6 +1880,8 @@ export default function VirtualGallery(props: Props) {
   const [isLooking, setIsLooking] = useState(false);
   const [texturesPending, setTexturesPending] = useState(0);
   const [canvasReady, setCanvasReady] = useState(false);
+  const [envReady, setEnvReady] = useState(false);
+  const [shadersWarmed, setShadersWarmed] = useState(false);
   const [glEpoch, setGlEpoch] = useState(0);
   const [glLost, setGlLost] = useState(false);
 
@@ -1731,6 +1893,14 @@ export default function VirtualGallery(props: Props) {
     []
   );
 
+  const handleEnvReady = useCallback(() => {
+    setEnvReady(true);
+  }, []);
+
+  const handleShadersWarmed = useCallback(() => {
+    setShadersWarmed(true);
+  }, []);
+
   const handleCanvasCreated = useCallback((state: { gl: THREE.WebGLRenderer }) => {
     const canvas = state.gl.domElement;
     // A freshly created canvas has a healthy context, so clear any lingering
@@ -1797,6 +1967,30 @@ export default function VirtualGallery(props: Props) {
     setHallIndex(0);
   }, [hallKey]);
 
+  useEffect(() => {
+    setEnvReady(false);
+    setShadersWarmed(false);
+    setTexturesPending(0);
+  }, [hallKey, glEpoch]);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    setShadersWarmed(false);
+  }, [hallIndex]);
+
+  // HDR Environment can hang or fail (CDN / Suspense). Never block the hall forever.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (envReady) return;
+    const t = window.setTimeout(() => setEnvReady(true), 5000);
+    return () => window.clearTimeout(t);
+  }, [envReady, hallKey, glEpoch]);
+
+  // If shader warm-up never settles, dismiss the overlay anyway.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (shadersWarmed || !canvasReady || !envReady) return;
+    const t = window.setTimeout(() => setShadersWarmed(true), SHADER_WARM_TIMEOUT_MS + 1000);
+    return () => window.clearTimeout(t);
+  }, [shadersWarmed, canvasReady, envReady, hallKey, glEpoch, hallIndex]);
+
   const layout = useMemo(() => {
     if (isWingedHall && movementHalls.length > 0) {
       return movementHalls[Math.min(hallIndex, movementHalls.length - 1)];
@@ -1804,13 +1998,17 @@ export default function VirtualGallery(props: Props) {
     return buildHallLayout(paintings, periods);
   }, [isWingedHall, movementHalls, hallIndex, paintings, periods]);
 
-  const gallerySceneLoading = active && !glLost && (!canvasReady || texturesPending > 0);
+  // Do not block the hall on every painting texture — large artists (e.g. Duccio, 50+)
+  // otherwise sit on "Loading paintings…" for a long time. Textures keep loading after.
+  const gallerySceneLoading =
+    active &&
+    !glLost &&
+    (!canvasReady || !envReady || !shadersWarmed);
 
-  const galleryLoadingMessage = !canvasReady
-    ? 'Loading gallery…'
-    : texturesPending > 0
-      ? 'Loading paintings…'
-      : 'Loading gallery…';
+  const galleryLoadingMessage =
+    canvasReady && texturesPending > 0 ? 'Loading paintings…' : 'Loading gallery…';
+
+  const warmGpuEnabled = canvasReady && envReady && !shadersWarmed;
 
   const computedWindows = useMemo(() => {
     if (!isMovement || !interiorStyle || !('hallIndex' in layout)) return undefined;
@@ -2107,7 +2305,6 @@ export default function VirtualGallery(props: Props) {
         )}
         <Canvas
           key={`${hallKey}-${glEpoch}`}
-          shadows
           frameloop={active ? 'always' : 'never'}
           gl={{ preserveDrawingBuffer: true, powerPreference: 'high-performance' }}
           camera={{ fov: 58, position: [0, EYE_HEIGHT, 2], near: 0.1, far: 80 }}
@@ -2121,15 +2318,19 @@ export default function VirtualGallery(props: Props) {
             position={interiorStyle ? [2, 10, -4] : [3, 9, 4]}
             intensity={interiorStyle ? 0.85 : 0.65}
             color={interiorStyle?.sunLight ?? '#fff8f0'}
-            castShadow
-            shadow-mapSize={[1024, 1024]}
           />
-          <SceneErrorBoundary fallback={null}>
+          <SceneErrorBoundary
+            key={`env-${hallKey}-${glEpoch}`}
+            fallback={null}
+            onError={handleEnvReady}
+          >
             <Suspense fallback={null}>
+              <EnvironmentGate onReady={handleEnvReady}>
                 <Environment
                   preset={interiorStyle?.details === 'modern' || interiorStyle?.details === 'industrial' ? 'city' : 'warehouse'}
                   environmentIntensity={interiorStyle ? 0.35 : 0.15}
                 />
+              </EnvironmentGate>
             </Suspense>
           </SceneErrorBoundary>
           <GalleryTextureLoadContext.Provider value={textureLoad}>
@@ -2151,6 +2352,7 @@ export default function VirtualGallery(props: Props) {
             nearPassage={nearPassage}
           />
           </GalleryTextureLoadContext.Provider>
+          <WarmHallGpu enabled={warmGpuEnabled} onDone={handleShadersWarmed} />
           <CameraController position={camPos} target={camTarget} />
         </Canvas>
       </div>

client/src/locales/en/painting.json

@@ -11,5 +11,12 @@
   "tourNotes": "Tour notes",
   "tourNotesFor": "Tour notes · {{title}}",
   "tourNotesEmpty": "No notes for this stop.",
-  "tourStopPosition": "Stop {{current}} of {{total}}"
+  "tourStopPosition": "Stop {{current}} of {{total}}",
+  "curatorNotes": "Curator notes",
+  "curatorNotesEmpty": "No curator notes yet.",
+  "curatorNotesEdit": "Edit",
+  "curatorNotesSave": "Save",
+  "curatorNotesSaving": "Saving…",
+  "curatorNotesCancel": "Cancel",
+  "curatorNotesSaveFailed": "Could not save curator notes."
 }

client/src/locales/ru/painting.json

@@ -11,5 +11,12 @@
   "tourNotes": "Текст экскурсии",
   "tourNotesFor": "Экскурсия · {{title}}",
   "tourNotesEmpty": "Для этой остановки нет текста.",
-  "tourStopPosition": "Остановка {{current}} из {{total}}"
+  "tourStopPosition": "Остановка {{current}} из {{total}}",
+  "curatorNotes": "Заметки куратора",
+  "curatorNotesEmpty": "Заметок куратора пока нет.",
+  "curatorNotesEdit": "Изменить",
+  "curatorNotesSave": "Сохранить",
+  "curatorNotesSaving": "Сохранение…",
+  "curatorNotesCancel": "Отмена",
+  "curatorNotesSaveFailed": "Не удалось сохранить заметки куратора."
 }

client/src/pages/HomePage.tsx

@@ -444,6 +444,58 @@ export default function HomePage() {
     []
   );
 
+  const handleCuratorNotesUpdated = useCallback((paintingId: number, curatorNotes: string) => {
+    const patch: Partial<Painting> = { curator_notes: curatorNotes };
+
+    setView((current) => {
+      if (current.type !== 'painting' || current.paintingId !== paintingId) return current;
+      let returnTo = current.returnTo;
+      if (returnTo.type === 'gallery') {
+        returnTo = {
+          ...returnTo,
+          data: patchPaintingInArtistDetail(returnTo.data, paintingId, patch),
+        };
+      }
+      if (returnTo.type === 'movement-gallery') {
+        returnTo = {
+          ...returnTo,
+          data: patchPaintingInMovementDetail(returnTo.data, paintingId, patch),
+        };
+      }
+      if (returnTo.type === 'tour-gallery') {
+        returnTo = {
+          ...returnTo,
+          data: patchPaintingInTourDetail(returnTo.data, paintingId, patch),
+        };
+      }
+      return {
+        ...current,
+        data: {
+          ...current.data,
+          painting: { ...current.data.painting, ...patch },
+        },
+        returnTo,
+      };
+    });
+
+    setDetailArtistPaintings((list) =>
+      list.map((p) => (p.id === paintingId ? { ...p, ...patch } : p))
+    );
+
+    setGallerySession((session) => {
+      if (session?.kind === 'artist') {
+        return { ...session, data: patchPaintingInArtistDetail(session.data, paintingId, patch) };
+      }
+      if (session?.kind === 'movement') {
+        return { ...session, data: patchPaintingInMovementDetail(session.data, paintingId, patch) };
+      }
+      if (session?.kind === 'tour') {
+        return { ...session, data: patchPaintingInTourDetail(session.data, paintingId, patch) };
+      }
+      return session;
+    });
+  }, []);
+
   const applyArtistPatch = useCallback((artistId: number, patch: Partial<Artist>) => {
     setArtists((list) => list.map((a) => (a.id === artistId ? { ...a, ...patch } : a)));
 
@@ -900,11 +952,13 @@ export default function HomePage() {
               setView({ type: 'bio', artistId: artistData.artist.id, data: artistData, returnTo: view });
             }}
             onInfluenceArtistClick={handleArtistClick}
+            isCurator={isCurator}
             debugMode={effectiveDebugMode}
             debugShowMore={debugShowMore && isCurator}
             onPaintingImageFixed={handlePaintingImageFixed}
             onPaintingCheckupFlagsUpdated={handlePaintingCheckupFlagsUpdated}
             onPaintingRemoved={handlePaintingRemoved}
+            onCuratorNotesUpdated={handleCuratorNotesUpdated}
           />
         </div>
       )}

client/src/types/index.ts

@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ export interface Painting {
   year: number;
   year_end?: number;
   description: string;
+  curator_notes?: string;
   image_path: string | null;
   thumbnail_path?: string | null;
   image_cache_key?: number | null;

client/src/utils/movementHallLayout.ts

@@ -43,6 +43,9 @@ const MAX_FRAME_H = 1.35;
 const MIN_HALL_SIZE = 10;
 const MIN_HALL_WIDTH = 11;
 const WALL_PADDING = 1.4;
+/** Exit opening on the far wall — paintings hang on the flanking panels only. */
+const DOOR_WIDTH = 2.4;
+const DOOR_CLEARANCE = DOOR_WIDTH + 0.55;
 
 const FRAME_MAT_BORDER = 0.1;
 const FRAME_RAIL = 0.08;
@@ -110,16 +113,29 @@ export function splitPaintingsIntoMovementHalls(paintings: Painting[]): Painting
 }
 
 /**
- * First half → left wall, second half → right.
+ * U-shaped visit order: left → far/end wall → right.
  * Callers pass paintings already in visit order; first work hangs near the
  * entrance on the left, last work near the entrance on the right.
  */
-function distributeToSideWalls(paintings: Painting[]) {
-  const mid = Math.ceil(paintings.length / 2);
+function distributeAcrossWalls(paintings: Painting[]) {
+  const n = paintings.length;
+  if (n < 3) {
+    const mid = Math.ceil(n / 2);
     return {
+      back: [] as Painting[],
       left: paintings.slice(0, mid),
       right: paintings.slice(mid),
     };
+  }
+  const q = Math.floor(n / 3);
+  const r = n % 3;
+  const leftCount = q + (r > 0 ? 1 : 0);
+  const backCount = q + (r > 1 ? 1 : 0);
+  return {
+    left: paintings.slice(0, leftCount),
+    back: paintings.slice(leftCount, leftCount + backCount),
+    right: paintings.slice(leftCount + backCount),
+  };
 }
 
 function layoutSideSlots(
@@ -149,21 +165,59 @@ function layoutSideSlots(
   });
 }
 
+/** Far wall ahead of the entrance — split across door flanks (exit sits in the center). */
+function layoutBackSlots(
+  paintings: Painting[],
+  width: number,
+  halfD: number,
+  inset: number
+): FrameSlot[] {
+  if (paintings.length === 0) return [];
+  const flankSpan = Math.max(MIN_FRAME_W + WALL_PADDING, (width - DOOR_CLEARANCE) / 2);
+  const mid = Math.ceil(paintings.length / 2);
+  const leftFlank = paintings.slice(0, mid);
+  const rightFlank = paintings.slice(mid);
+  const y = EYE_HEIGHT;
+  const z = -halfD + inset + WALL_STANDOFF;
+  const leftCenterX = -DOOR_CLEARANCE / 2 - flankSpan / 2;
+  const rightCenterX = DOOR_CLEARANCE / 2 + flankSpan / 2;
+
+  const mapFlank = (group: Painting[], centerX: number): FrameSlot[] => {
+    if (group.length === 0) return [];
+    const { slots: rowSlots } = layoutRow(group, flankSpan);
+    return rowSlots.map((s) => ({
+      maxW: s.maxW,
+      maxH: s.maxH,
+      rotationY: 0,
+      side: 'back' as const,
+      position: [centerX + s.offset, y, z] as [number, number, number],
+    }));
+  };
+
+  return [...mapFlank(leftFlank, leftCenterX), ...mapFlank(rightFlank, rightCenterX)];
+}
+
 export function buildMovementHallLayout(
   paintings: Painting[],
   hallIndex: number,
   hallCount: number
 ): MovementHallLayout {
-  const { left, right } = distributeToSideWalls(paintings);
+  const { left, back, right } = distributeAcrossWalls(paintings);
   const leftSpan = layoutRow(left, MIN_HALL_SIZE);
   const rightSpan = layoutRow(right, MIN_HALL_SIZE);
   const depth = Math.max(MIN_HALL_SIZE, leftSpan.spanNeeded, rightSpan.spanNeeded);
   const width = MIN_HALL_WIDTH;
   const halfW = width / 2;
+  const halfD = depth / 2;
   const inset = WALL_THICKNESS / 2 + MOUNT_OFFSET;
 
   const segments: WallSegment[] = [
-    { side: 'back', label: '', paintings: [], slots: [] },
+    {
+      side: 'back',
+      label: back.length > 0 ? `Wing ${hallIndex + 1} · End wall` : '',
+      paintings: back,
+      slots: layoutBackSlots(back, width, halfD, inset),
+    },
     {
       side: 'left',
       label: left.length > 0 ? `Wing ${hallIndex + 1} · Left wall` : '',

client/src/utils/paintingUtils.ts

@@ -36,3 +36,10 @@ export function paintingHasInfluenceLinks(
   const flag = painting.has_influence_links;
   return flag === true || flag === 't' || flag === 'true' || flag === 1;
 }
+
+/** True when the painting has public curator notes. */
+export function paintingHasCuratorNotes(
+  painting: Pick<Painting, 'curator_notes'>
+): boolean {
+  return Boolean(painting.curator_notes?.trim());
+}