During the week of October 9-15, we celebrated the European Days of Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage with numerous events in physical presence and digitally throughout Europe. The celebration is an institution of the European Confederation of Conservation Associations (ECCO)[1]. The aim of the celebration is to introduce to the general public the science of conservation and the profession of the conservator-restorer of antiquities & works of art and to make them aware of the need to preserve our cultural heritage.

The National Archaeological Museum participated in the celebration with two actions on Monday and Tuesday, October 9 and 10, 2023.

Monday, October 9, 2023, aimed to pay tribute to all institutions and engage in sharing state of the art research and education. Theme of the day was: “Sharing an institution, Educational Centre, Lab-Science in Conservation- Restoration”.  The National Archaeological Museum participated by presenting a video entitled: “A tour in the Conservation and Research Laboratories of the National Archaeological Museum”. The video takes us on a tour in the laboratories, in a final capture of the spaces, where work is being carried out, shortly before the planned renovation and expansion of the country’s first museum.
 

 
Tuesday, October 10, 2023, was dedicated to the people who have contributed to the recognition of the profession of the conservator- restorer. These people deserve our thanks. The National Archaeological Museum participated together with the Directorate  of Conservation of Ancient & Modern Monuments of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture by holding an International Scientific Conference titled: “History of Cultural Heritage Conservation: from the first scientific laboratories to the world conservation centers”. 17 speakers from 11 countries of the world were invited to present the pioneers in conservation from the greatest museums and institutes. The Conference was  held in the auditorium “Dimitrios Pantermalis” at the Acropolis Museum.

 

 

[1] In Greece, the celebration of the European Days of Conservation- Restoration is coordinated by the Directorate for the Conservation of Ancient & Modern Monuments (DSANM) of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the Association of Conservators of Antiquities & Works of Art of Greece (SSAETE) and the Hellenic Group of ICOM.