The primary and irreplaceable foundation of a nation’s identity and memory is its historical and cultural heritage. Italy is famous for its wealth of monuments, works of art and historic urban centers, and is one of the leaders in developing modern methods of restoration and conservation as set out in the fundamental text by Cesare Brandi The Theory of Restoration, which is still valid today. He developed the methodology within the Istituto Centrale del Restauro which was founded in 1939.
The exhibition titled Restoration in Italy: art and technology in the activities of the Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlights the role played by this prestigious Institute, illustrating some of the complex restoration projects undertaken over the years, and confirming the modernity of its approach to restoration, still as valid as ever. Today, the Institute’s wealth of experience is a shared patrimony much sought after in Italy and abroad.