Who We Are:

From leading-edge research to innovative approaches, the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) is recognized as a pioneer in the conservation of cultural heritage.

Preserving a historic house? Looking for a collections assessment survey? In need of conservation or restoration treatment for a valuable work of art? Seeking training opportunities? The staff of the Institute are committed to helping you. Their knowledge and expertise are available to organizations and individuals in Canada and throughout the world. From answering general information requests to solving complex conservation problems, CCI staff will work with you to develop cost-effective solutions to your needs. The Institute will also assemble teams to meet specific conservation, scientific, and testing requirements.

CCI was created in 1972 to promote the proper care and preservation of Canada's cultural heritage and to advance the practice, science, and technology of conservation. The Institute has worked closely with hundreds of museums, art galleries, academic institutions, and other heritage organizations to help them better preserve their collections. As a Special Operating Agency of the Department of Canadian Heritage, CCI has widened its scope of activities and now markets its services and products around the world.

CCI has played an important role in assessing and developing the processes and materials used in conservation. Recognized as a world leader in the area of preventive conservation, the Institute has developed a comprehensive framework for preserving museum collections. With a staff of about 80, the Institute has treated more than 13 000 objects for the heritage community, has published hundreds of scientific papers, and has distributed in excess of one million publications. The Institute responds to at least 2000 requests for assistance annually. Working together in well-equipped, fully secure, climate-controlled laboratories, conservators, chemists, engineers, biologists, and other professionals handle projects ranging from information inquiries to complex treatments and research.

Our Web Site:

This site is intended to be:

• a place to define who we are, what we have to offer, and what we do, in a highly visible manner to a rapidly growing audience;
• a forum to share our knowledge and resources, conservation expertise, publications, training, treatment projects, research, etc.;
• a means to showcase CCI expertise, through newsletters, project descriptions, and expert assistance on highly specialized topics;
• a method to promote and sell products and services;
• a way to disseminate and share information effectively on events, activities, and programs; and
• an opportunity to heighten the general public's awareness of conservation and CCI.

Our Mission

The CCI mission statement focuses on helping clients and on achieving results:

We are committed to preserving Canadian heritage and supporting conservation and heritage institutions in Canada by creating and disseminating conservation knowledge and providing expert services.

We ensure client satisfaction through:

• providing high-quality, reliable advice, assistance, and information on:
  • new conservation knowledge and practices
  • care of collections and preventive conservation
  • treatment of artifacts and works of art in Canadian museums, art galleries, archives, and libraries
  • materials or condition of heritage objects to improve the understanding of collections
  • museum facilities and planning
• collaborating with regional, provincial, territorial, national, and international cultural communities, institutions, and related agencies including conservation associations and the private heritage sector.

Our Values

The following values will be reflected in all that CCI does:

• Excellence and Expertise: Dedication to high standards and the highest attainable quality founded upon creativity, skill, ability, knowledge, experience, and training.
• Honesty and Integrity: Commitment to truthfulness, honour, sincerity, trust, and fairness in all relationships and activities.
• Respect: Thoughtful and trusting attitude towards individuals, organizations, and cultural property, which recognizes the worth of individuals and their work, and encourages direct and open communication.
• Responsibility and Accountability: Obligation to act in an ethical manner and to justify activities to our clients and the Canadian public.