The Julia and Henry Koschitzky Center for the Conservation of Ancient Pottery
The ancient pottery conservation laboratories are responsible for treating pottery finds that originate in archaeological excavations. The conservation process includes spreading out the sherds on tables, restoring the ancient vessels, and filling in the missing pieces with plaster in various colors, which is clearly identifiable as a modern reconstruction. Every vessel is treated individually. Vessels that are fragile, painted, or bear inscriptions and/or unique decorations, undergo more complex conservation treatments. The restoration work is documented digitally, and accompanied by technological research.
The Center for the Conservation of Ancient Metal
The metal conservation laboratory is responsible for treating metal objects that originate in archaeological excavations. These objects are made of a wide variety of materials: bronze, iron, copper, lead, silver and gold, and have usually suffered corrosion due to their sensitivity to humidity and salts in the soil, which can cause heavy damage. The conservation process includes the mechanical or chemical removal of the layer of corrosion, the application of a protective covering of polymer, the restoration of broken objects and digital documentation. In addition, conservators and archaeologists participate in common research into aspects of material engineering and technology.
The Saul Fox Center for Conservation of Ancient Glass
The ancient glass conservation laboratory is responsible for treating all the glass finds recovered in archaeological excavations. The fragile and delicate nature of these glass finds necessitates dry cleaning and the individual treatment of each item based on its state of preservation. The glass objects are restored using specially designed modern adhesives, and when it is necessary to fill in missing pieces, this is carried out using appropriate conservation materials. The treatment is digitally documented and the conserved finds are stored in special protective containers. In some cases, conservators and archaeologists participate in common research into aspects of technology and conservation.
The Center for the Conservation of Ancient Organic Materials
The organic materials conservation laboratory is responsible for treating all types of organic finds that originate in archeological excavations, such as textiles, leather, bone and wood artifacts, and others. Due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions, organic finds usually survive only in arid climatic regions. Their treatment includes identification, manual cleaning with brushes, the straightening of textiles and, when necessary, the use of gentle chemical cleansers and the construction of containers, as well as digital documentation and the preparation of the finds for display. When the conservation process is completed, the finds are transferred to climate-controlled storage facilities to prevent deterioration.