PHOTOGRAPHIC CONSERVATION LABORATORY

The Benaki Museum's Photographic Archive was opened to the public in 1973 and contains a representative selection of works by the most important Greek and foreign photographers.

The Photographic Conservation Department was set up in new surroundings in 1999 with the triple aim of restoring, conserving and reproducing the collection.
 

Photographs are subjected to scientific examination that would determine the specific preservation and restoration processes required. Restoration involves treating the basic material (paper, glass, metal, film) while paying special attention to the sensitive layers of the photographic image and the process through which it was created. Finally, due to the size and variety of the collection, special attention is given to the storage and exhibition environmental conditions.