Restoration Day

Conservation in dialogue: Restoration is a fascinating but often hidden professional field in museums. What is preserved and how, and who decides? The exhibition at the Humboldt Forum highlights the various aspects of this important work. On display are two totem poles from the northwest coast of Canada, an ornate lacquer cabinet from the Qing dynasty, a 20th-century Mongolian shrine, and a ceremonial pipe of the Omaha (Umoⁿhoⁿ) people from Nebraska. These five exhibits and a brochure with in-depth information provide exciting insights into the issues and methods of restoration.

On the day of the event, the exhibition curators will provide in-depth insights into the topics and offer guided tours of the restoration workshops.

1 p.m.: ‘The exhibition of a Mongolian reliquary in Berlin and what is important to Mongolian partners’ (max. 12 participants) (Birgit Kantzenbach)

2 p.m.: ‘Why was it added’ and ‘How did it end up in the Humboldt Forum’ – the totem poles of the Haida and Tsimshian First Nations. Followed by a visit to the restoration workshops (max. 12 participants) (Mira Dallige-Smith, Sebastian Kolberg)

3 p.m.: ‘What is actually possible?’ – A small cabinet decorated using the Koromandel lacquer technique. Followed by a visit to the restoration workshops (max. 12 participants). (Ulrike Stelzer)

4 p.m.: ‘How should it be viewed?’ – A ceremonial pipe of the Omaha, followed by a visit to the restoration workshops (max. 12 participants). (Mira Dallige-Smith, Sebastian Kolberg, Elisabeth Seyerl-Langkamp)

Part of the curatorial team for the exhibition ‘Restoration in Dialogue’, from SMB and SHF:

Birgit Kantzenbach, Ulrike Stelzer, Mira Dallige-Smith, Sebastian Kolberg, Elisabeth Seyerl-Langkamp