ICCROM is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage. Its members are individual states which have declared their adhesion to it. It exists to serve the international community as represented by its Member States, which currently number 132.

It is the only institution of its kind with a worldwide mandate to promote the conservation of all types of cultural heritage, both movable and immovable.

The decision to found the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property was made at the 9th UNESCO General Conference in New Delhi in 1956, at a time of mounting interest in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. It was subsequently established in Rome in 1959 at the invitation of the Government of Italy.

ICCROM aims at improving the quality of conservation practice as well as raising awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

ICCROM contributes to preserving cultural heritage in the world today and for the future through five main areas of activity:

Training, Information, Research, Cooperation and Advocacy

Training

ICCROM contributes to conservation training by developing new educational tools and materials, and organizing professional training activities around the world. Since 1966, ICCROM's courses have involved over 4,000 professionals.

Information

ICCROM has one of the world's leading conservation libraries. The catalogue contains over 89,000 entries relating to books, reports and specialized journals in more than 40 languages. ICCROM also has a collection of over 17,000 images. In addition, this website offers comprehensive information on international events and training opportunities in the field of conservation-restoration.

Research

ICCROM organizes and coordinates meetings to devise common approaches and methodologies and to promote the definition of internationally agreed ethics, criteria and technical standards for conservation practice. The ICCROM Laboratory is both a resource and reference point for conservation experts.

Cooperation

All ICCROM activities involve institutional and professional partners. Cooperation is provided in the form of technical advice, collaborative visits, and education and training.

Advocacy

ICCROM disseminates teaching materials and organizes workshops and other activities to raise public awareness and support for conservation.

updated on: 29 October, 2012