Conservation is a fascinating but often hidden professional field in museums. What is preserved and how, and who makes the decisions?
Image gallery
Röntgenaufnahme der zentralen Figur des Lamas im Gungervaa (mongolischer Holzschrein)
This exhibition sheds light on various aspects of this important work.Before the Humboldt Forum opened, thousands of exhibits from different regions of the world, including many ‘cultural belongings’ – these belongings form part of a society’s cultural heritage – were prepared for the exhibitions by conservators. Such work is mainly carried out behind the scenes and is barely visible to visitors.
On display are two crest poles from the Northwest coast of Canada, an ornate lacquer cabinet from the Qing Dynasty, a Mongolian shrine from the 20th century and a ceremonial pipe from the Umoⁿhoⁿ in Nebraska.
These five exhibits and a booklet with in-depth information provide fascinating insights into conservation and restoration issues and methods.The exhibition is centered around the complex decision-making processes that influence the preservation and presentation of cultural assets. A focus lies on dialogue and cooperation between international partners, conservators and curators.
How do these discussions influence the handling, conservation and presentation of collections?
- - Languages: German, English
- regular 14 EUR, from 13 July 2026: 9 EUR
- Museum of Asian Art, 3rd floor, Wechseln Exhibition Area 47, Room 301
- Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Tue: closed
Additional information
Accessibility
The Humboldt Forum and all exhibition rooms can be reached barrier-free with a wheelchair. A tactile floor guidance system facilitates orientation for blind and visually impaired visitors. Educational formats are tailored to the different needs of visitors with disabilities. These include tactile tours, guided tours and workshops.
Barrier-free parking is available south of the Humboldt Forum on Schlossplatz. Barrier-free parking is available south of the Humboldt Forum on Schlossplatz. For more information, click here.
Bus bays are available in Rathausstraße: Stopping time from 9 - 22.30
By underground and suburban railway
U Museumsinsel (U5): 1 min walk
S/U Alexanderplatz: 15 min walk
S Hackescher Markt: 10 min walk
By bus
Lustgarten: 100, 300, N5; 1 min walk
Berlin Palace: 147; 1 min walk
