This tour offers a unique opportunity to visit Nidaros Cathedral, Nidaros Cathedral’s Restoration Workshop, and the Archbishop’s Palace. 

Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim is the northernmost gothic cathedral in Europe. Nidaros Cathedral Restoration Workshop has been responsible for the restoration, maintenance and operation of Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace since 1869. Today, 23 craftspeople still use traditional tools and techniques and work in close cooperation with the Research Department. Together, they have acquired unique insight into medieval building techniques and practices. The restoration workers are organised in a traditional Bauhütte, something that was common for construction sites of European cathedrals in the Middle Ages. Stonemasons, masons, blacksmiths, joiners, plastermakers, and specialists in the restoration of stained-glass windows work to restore and maintain the historical value of the buildings, in close cooperation with archaeologists and other researchers. Nidaros Cathedral’s Restoration Workshop also has a particular responsibility for preserving and transferring the intangible cultural practices of traditional crafts. For this work, they have been awarded UNESCO status, together with 17 European Bauhütten. 

Conference Participants will have the opportunity to visit the workshops and meet the restoration workers. The experienced craftspeople will explain the processes that go into the restoration and maintenance of a medieval cathedral; how traditional practices work alongside technological innovation; and how the northern climate presents particular challenges in the maintenance of the cathedral. They will also offer specialised tours of the cathedral, with particular focus on the restoration practices of the past 150 years and ongoing projects.

There will also be a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, the northern wing is the oldest secular building in Norway. It contains the Archbishop’s Hall, and the Regalia Room which is decorated with beautiful 17th century al secco paintings that have been meticulously restored in recent years. At the end of the visit there will be a 15 minute organ concert in Nidaros cathedral. The Steinmeyer organ was built in 1930 and has been recently restored. 

Urnes stave church was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. It is dated to the 1130s but was partly built using materials from an older church. The main room still retains its original posts (staves) and layout. The church has been owned by Fortidsminneforeningen (National Trust of Norway) since 1882.
We will enjoy informed guided tours at the stave church by the National Trust and Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research’s professional team of conservators and also meet one of the craftsmen who is working to preserve the church.

Join current Museum Director and Conservator Anne May Olli on this unique visit to Karasjok and the collections of RiddoDuottarMuseat.

RiddoDuottarMuseat is an Indigenous museum association consisting of four Sami museums and a Sami art collection in the western part of Finnmark, the administration is in Karasjok.

The RiddoDuottarMuseat is responsible for the safekeeping and management of collections, consisting of traditional cultural Sámi objects and Sámi contemporary art. To preserve and exhibit these collections in the best possible way, a new museum building is being planned. The project is to be completed in 2030, and the new building will be a significant exhibition area where Sámi cultural history meets Sámi contemporary art. Included in the project are conservation labs organized to allow for the inclusion of traditional craft knowledge to the conservation work.

On this tour, you will get a unique insight into the development of the new Sámi contemporary art scene and the preservation of traditional Sámi cultural history. There will be a focus on RiddoDouttarMuseat’s role as an Indigenous Museum association and how this affects the conservation of these collections. The visit will focus on how to preserve and conserve art and objects from Indigenous cultures, and at the same time stress the type of knowledge needed in the decision-making process. What kind of facilities are needed to preserve these types of collections which consist of both tangible and intangible heritage, in the best possible way? Sámi cultural heritage conservation is a professional discipline at RiddoDouttarMuseat, and the museum is constantly working on education and development of the field. In addition, the museum works with other issues connected to indigenous collections, like the export of Sámi art and cultural objects (Export permit application management). It also works actively to ensure the repatriation of cultural artifacts that have previously been taken out of Sápmi.
Artworks are regularly exhibited at the Sámi Parliament. The trip will include a visit to the parliament building to see the exhibition there.

The trip will also pass by the village of Maze, which became the symbol of the fight for the rights of the Sámi people. In the 1970s the village was planned to be flooded due to the development of the Alta Hydroelectric Power Station, but after huge public protests, the plan was cancelled. These protests brought Sámi rights to the political agenda and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Sámi Parliament and the recognition of the Sámi community.

The University Museum of Bergen warmly invites attendees to the ICOM-CC’s Triennial Conference to visit the Conservation Laboratories and modern, low-energy storage facilities.
Explore our specialised projects in Archaeological, Painting, Textile, Graphic Document, and Natural History Conservation, and learn about the cutting-edge methods we use to preserve and study the diverse materials in our collection. We will present our ongoing research on archaeological objects, such as the analysis of natural fibres and innovative methods to stabilize fragile materials uncovered during excavations. Gain insights into how we safeguard invaluable objects, from ancient archaeological finds to intricate cultural history- and natural history objects.
The visit will include a presentation of the ongoing project on relocating the collection of medieval church art and an opportunity to engage with our experts. Join us to exchange knowledge and explore collaborative opportunities in advancing conservation science. The program includes an exciting visit to the Natural History Museum, where you will explore its exciting exhibitions, followed by a tour of the Conservation Laboratories to hear about state-of-the-art conservation techniques. The day concludes with a visit to our modern storage facilities, showcasing cutting-edge methods for museum storage and collection care.
On Friday evening, we will suggest an optional guided hike along well-maintained trails to Fløyen, a mountain offering stunning panoramic city views. Afterwards, relax and enjoy a well-deserved social evening at a local restaurant.