ICCROM

ICCROM, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, is an intergovernmental organization that promotes the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide. Established in 1956 and headquartered in Rome, Italy, ICCROM operates within the framework of UNESCO to advance conservation through training, research, documentation, and information exchange among professionals, institutions, and governments.

Its mandate is to strengthen the protection of cultural property by building capacity in preventive conservation, restoration science, and the management of cultural heritage programs. ICCROM collaborates with member states, international partners, and national authorities to develop policy guidance, share expertise, and support implementation at local, regional, and national levels.

Activities include professional training and fellowships for conservators and museum staff; applied research on materials, techniques, and preventive conservation; production of guidelines, manuals, and assessment tools; and information services that compile best practices and case studies. The organization also provides advisory services and emergency response support to heritage properties facing threats such as natural disasters or conflict, and it maintains networks to facilitate international cooperation in conservation.

Governance rests with a council comprised of member states and an executive leadership that directs programs and budgets. ICCROM is funded by its member states and partners and maintains collaborations with UNESCO and other cultural heritage agencies, museums, libraries, archives, and professional associations. Through its training, research, and knowledge-sharing activities, ICCROM supports the safeguarding of cultural property for present and future generations.