Conservation and Restoration Laboratory

The Conservation and Restoration Laboratory of the Museum of Civilizations deals with all areas related to the conservation, preservation, enhancement and restoration of artifacts, objects and works in the museum’s collections, operating at all times in close collaboration with other museum departments. Given its many institutional functions, the laboratory plays a key role in achieving the best possible balance between maximum usability and minimum risk for the objects and works in the collections, in contexts of study, exhibition, storage, transport loan and acquisition.

The laboratory operates in several areas of specialization focused primarily on the care, protection and restoration of the collections and cultural properties of the Museum of Civilizations, among which: monumental art and architectural works of the two palaces, artifacts and works made from traditional and non-traditional materials, archaeological finds, textiles, sculptures, books, archival documents and photographs, works from the historical, archaeological and contemporary art collections.

The conservator-restorers operate in different areas of specialization, and are involved in:

• Preventive conservation, aimed at the definition, monitoring and management of appropriate environmental and lighting conditions, as well as other parameters of protection in both exhibition and storage contexts;
• Conservative restoration: restorers are continually updated in the application of modern techniques of intervention favoring sustainable materials and innovative practices, directed towards choices that provide both for the health and safety of the operator and for environmental protection and safety.

The laboratory coordinates the conservation of collections in permanent and temporary exhibitions, both at the planning and implementation stages. It develops the conservation files for objects intended for loan for exhibitions in Italy and abroad, expresses opinions on the appropriateness of loans in relation to the observed conservation status, and defines the conditions of packaging, transport and display. In agreement with colleges and universities, the laboratory hosts Italian and international students and trainees seeking theoretical and practical training in the fields of conservation and restoration of museum heritage.