The main activities of the Department are the technical examination and conservation of
artefacts, as well as and the prevention of any further deterioration of their condition
by ensuring the appropriate exhibition and storage environmental conditions.
The conservation of artefacts aims at the suspension of any factors
contributing to their deterioration, at the restoration to their original form, if
possible and at their presentation to the public in a clear and informative manner.
The Department's conservators collaborate on a regular basis with
colleagues from other Greek museums and institutions on resolving issues related to
conservation, exhibitions and the control of environmental conditions. They also
participate in the organisation of educational programmes for children and regularly
attend Greek and international conferences.
A relatively new area of interest is the participation in research
programmes organised by the European Union. Such projects ensure the improvement of the
materials and techniques used in conservation procedures, along with the gradual
improvement of the Department's technical equipment.
The Conservation Department of the Benaki Museum currently consists
of six specialist laboratories concerned with the conservation of icons and oil paintings,
paper, photographs, textiles, ceramics and metalwork
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