CICS - Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences

Cologne Institute for Conservation Sciences offers BA and Ma courses in the conservation and restoration of art and cultural property. The 3-year BA program is balanced between theory and practice. It aims to develop knowledge and skills in historical techniques, conservation and restoration materials and methodologies and contextual cultural and scientific studies.  

Five specialized departments are available for BA students:

- Easel and panel paintings, polychrome sculpture, and modern art

- Wooden Objects and modern materials

- Written documents, graphic works, and book illumination

- Wall paintings, decorative architectural surfaces, and Stone Objects

- Textiles

Broader teaching includes cultural studies (art history and conservation philosophy), the natural sciences and preventive conservation. The Cologne training program started in 1986, and since then, the conservation of modern materials and contemporary art has become an ever-growing field of research and teaching at the master’s level as well as more traditional areas of conservation-restoration. Master students benefit from the extensive competencies of the institute’s teaching and research staff. They can specialize in an area covered by one of the departments or undertake research projects in conservation-restoration spanning one or more departments and/or cultural heritage and scientific themes.