Conservation

Along with collection, academic research and education, conservation is one of the principal tasks of every museum. Museum conservators are responsible for preserving the collection items in their care for future generations.

The Department of Conservation and Restoration at the Hamburger Kunsthalle was established in the 1950s. Five conservators are currently employed in the department – three paintings conservators, a conservator of prints and drawings and a conservator of contemporary art – along with a trainee. They are jointly responsible for a collection of around 3,500 paintings, 1,000 sculptures and installations from 700 years of art history. The Kupferstichkabinett holds in excess of 130,000 items in its collection of drawings, prints and photographs, which dates from the 15th century to the present day.

In addition to the restoration of individual pieces, one of the main tasks carried out by the members of this department is to conserve collection items and exhibitions in order to delay ageing processes and prevent deterioration or damage. Conducting technological research in collaboration with scientists and experts from many different disciplines is also an important source of new insights into art and its methods.