Restoration and Museography: the value of “open sites” as a promotion of conservation activities

If the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris is credited with opening the first modern diagnostic laboratory in the field of art, France is also credited with another innovative idea, that of opening up restoration sites to the public, primarily with the intention of raising awareness of the value of conservation works, but also to attract donations from benévoles useful for continuing excavation activities. This strategy has revealed the essence of an idea that has been widespread since antiquity, according to which the conservation of cultural heritage is advocated as a means of enjoyment for the public. This has given rise to a museographic practice according to which every open laboratory is equipped with a variety of museographic tools. Presenting the materials and techniques used in a "simple and direct" language promotes understanding of the complex conservation activities and raises awareness of the importance of preventive conservation measures for cultural heritage.