International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics

Athens – Greece, 2025

Mosaic Conservation:  Current Challenges and Future Prospects

The 15th Conference of the International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics was held in Athens, Greece, October 20-24, 2025, at the invitation of the Directorate of Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments (DCAMM), Hellenic Ministry of Culture.

The conference was organized by the ICCM Foundation and the Directorate of Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments (DCAMM), Hellenic Ministry of Culture with the support of the Getty Foundation.

Conference theme

Cultural heritage faces increasing threats arising from natural hazards, socio-economic shifts, and global political and cultural changes. The impact of climate change is contributing to a rise in natural hazards, while reduced financial resources result in neglect and underfunding. Geopolitical conflicts further intensify these challenges, posing a significant threat to cultural heritage.

The thematic areas of the conference explored strategies for adapting to current challenges, and building capacity for the future:

• Mitigating current challenges
• Management, monitoring and evaluation
• Investigation and documentation,
• Presentation, dissemination, awareness
• Modern Era Mosaics
• Best practice case studies

The Athens2025 conference aimed to bring together conservators, restorers, archaeologists, art historians and other professionals who work in the public or private sector in the broader area of mosaic conservation.  The conference especially welcomed and supported students and young professionals. Young professionals were encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives that can assist in adapting mosaic conservation practices to the new challenges, thus paving the way for a sustainable future for the preservation of mosaic heritage and the profession.