Optics applied to heritage

Discover our research activities, projects, and scientific publications focused on the study and preservation of cultural heritage

About us

Founded on a shared passion for heritage conservation, we emerged as a group specialized in advanced optical non invasive diagnostic techniques for the scientific analysis of artworks.

For over 30 years, CNR-INO has been deeply immersed in the world of cultural heritage diagnostics. This dedication has given rise to the Heritage Science Group, where we explore and experiment with cutting-edge optical techniques and create advanced instruments for analyzing works of art.

RESEARCH

Key resources to know & preserve art

Explore our tools and prototypes and discover how our research innovate the sector of heritage science.

Tools & Prototypes

Learn more about our optical non-invasive techniques for advancing cultural heritage analysis

Projects

Check out our collaborations in European and national projects

Publications

Read and have an insight in the latest results of our research…

Focus on

25 years after their first collaboration agreement, CNR – National Institute of Optics and Opificio delle Pietre Dure di Firenze (Ministry of Culture) renew their partnership from 1998.

Their goal is to create an integrated laboratory of chemical-physical investigations with unique instrumentation for art conservation and restoration.

case studies

Explore our past works on art

Step into our latest works and explore how we’ve contributed to the knowledge and preservation of our common heritage

Browse our news and events

Unlocking the Secrets of Historical Pigments with Raman Spectroscopy

In the world of art conservation, understanding the materials that make up historical artworks is essential for their preservation[…]

A new article on non-invasive techniques applied to gelatine-based art materials was published

Title: Non-invasive stratigraphic analyzes of gelatine-based modern painting materials with linear and nonlinear optical methods Link to the publication:[…]

A symposium to discuss about innovation in photography preservation

A symposium to present the results of the DIAGNOSE project The DIAGNOSE project (Non-invasive diagnostics and conservation of daguerreotypes[…]

Contact us

Got questions or ready to start a project? Reach out to us today to discuss your ideas, schedule a consultation, or simply say hello.