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Collaborations and Research Groups

ARt and Cultural HEritage: Natural Organic Polymers by Mass Spectrometry (ARCHE)

A composite image of the Arche collaboration logo depicting a series of linked arch bridges atop an image of an x and y graph measuring relative intensity over mass.

ARCHE is a partnership between the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the University of Bordeaux and the Polytechnique Institute of Bordeaux (Bordeaux INP), and The Met forming an international laboratory without borders. ARCHE advances our understanding and interpretation of cultural heritage by studying the complex chemistries of natural organic polymeric materials, especially those derived from biological materials (plants and animals), by developing advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) omics and imaging methods

Learn more about the initiative and current projects

Preventive Conservation Science Laboratory (PCSL)

Composite of three images. At left, a woman wearing gloves holds a glass vial. In the middle, an overhead view of clear glass circular containers of material samples. At right, a glass case displays silver objects and includes two digital devices indicating some kind of number measurement.

The PCSL focuses on understanding the environmental factors that affect works of art. Examples include but are not limited to the following: display, storage, and building materials testing using advanced analytical techniques (GC/MS, ion chromatography, HPLC) for the safe display and transport of art, including the analysis of volatiles and their effect on inorganic and organic artwork; monitoring of and determining acceptable thresholds for volatiles and urban pollutants; and the effect of modern pesticides on art. The group is also involved in developing museum-wide policies related to common agents of deterioration, such as vibration, light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

Oddy test protocol and results:
> The Met's Oddy Test Protocol
*includes detailed coupon evaluation libraries
> Database of case construction materials
> Database of adhesives and tapes
> Database of paints and sealants

Additional resources:
> Read more about common tests used to evaluate storage, display, and construction materials.
> Consult research on oxygen meters and anoxic treatments for eradicating insects on works of art.