Conservation and restoration at the Smithsonian Institution

Conservation and restoration at the Smithsonian Institution deals with the care of the 138 million artifacts located in the collections of Smithsonian Institution. Work is conducted by one research center, the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI), and by conservators at the Smithsonian's museums, galleries, zoo. Smithsonian conservators provide myriad services to their units, including exhibit preparation of the museum collection and loan objects,[1] advising on object care,[2] training for future generations of conservationists,[3] engaging in routine preventive care on a daily basis,[4] conducting research projects related to the collections,[5] and examining objects for evidence of manufacturing techniques and previous restorations[6] All conservation labs collectively further the mission of the Smithsonian Institution, "the increase and diffusion of knowledge."[7] Founded in 1846 the Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities.[8][9]

  1. ^ National Postal Museum, Smithsonian. "Preservation Projects". Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  2. ^ National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian. "Anthropology Conservation Laboratory". Department of Anthropology. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  3. ^ National Zoological Park, Smithsonian. "Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute". Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  4. ^ Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian. "PreventiveConservation". Hirshhorn. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  5. ^ National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian. "Conservation". Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  6. ^ National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian. "Conservation". Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  7. ^ Institution, Smithsonian. "Mission and Vision". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  8. ^ Institution, Smithsonian. "The Museums and Zoo". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  9. ^ Institution, Smithsonian. "Smithsonian Collections". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 3 December 2015.