Museum Conservation Institute

The Museum Conservation Institute is a research facility of the Smithsonian Institution focused on methods to preserve objects in its collections. The work includes laboratory analysis for material examination, preventive conservation, and development of new restoration techniques.

The facility was established in 1963 to develop scientific techniques for examining and restoring cultural objects. Since then it has introduced advanced methods to protect and preserve the Smithsonian Institution's collections.

Scientists here study objects from many cultures, ranging from ancient textiles to modern art pieces using specialized equipment. Their work connects traditional craft techniques with modern material science to understand how historical objects were made.

The institute is located in Suitland with laboratory spaces equipped for material analysis and conservation treatment. Visitors should know this is a working research facility, and tours typically need to be arranged in advance.

The facility houses specialized equipment like mass spectrometers and electron microscopes that can reveal tiny details of objects. These technologies often uncover hidden information about how artifacts were made and where they came from, things never visible to the naked eye.

Location: Prince George's County

Inception: 1963

Part of: Smithsonian Institution

Address: 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746

Website: http://si.edu/mci

GPS coordinates: 38.84307,-76.93975

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:55