A special exhibition, “Conserving Antiquity,” opens at the Kelsey Museum on November 2, 2012. The exhibition focuses on the essential but often hidden work of preserving art and artifacts. We invite you to step behind the scenes and experience the fascinating work of conservators, which blends scientific research and hands-on treatment with the study of art, archaeology, and history. Come see intriguing objects—like an ancient Egyptian mummy mask and a Roman soldier’s leather armor—and learn about their conservation. Participate in a variety of activities, including investigation of mysterious artifacts. Interact with conservators about their work. Explore archaeological conservation through two short films; one of them follows the amazing conservation journey of the Kelsey Museum’s Barosso watercolors from the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii. Reflect on your own understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage, and what preservation means to you.

 

Exhibition-related events:

 

Friday, November 2: The exhibition opens with a lecture by Dr. Matthew Adams, Senior Research Scholar at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University: “Conserving Ancient Abydos: Discovery, Recovery, and Responsibility.” Auditorium D, Angell Hall, 6 pm.

 

Friday, December 7: John Steele, Conservator of Sculpture and Decorative Arts at the Detroit Institute of Arts, speaks about recent conservation projects at the DIA. Kelsey Museum Lecture Hall, 6 pm.

 

Friday, January 18: Clara Deck, Senior Conservator at the Henry Ford Museum, speaks about conservation at huge history museums like the Henry Ford, "America's Greatest History Attraction."  6 pm, Kelsey Museum Lecture Hall, 6 pm.