The Open Access Laboratory (Open-Lab) of the National Gallery Alexandros Soutsos Museum is the outcome of the project PROTEAS: “Advanced System for collection and management of analytical data for documentation and conservation of large-scale paintings in an open access laboratory”, which was implemented in the framework of the action RESEARCH – CREATE – INNOVATE and was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union and national resources through the Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (EPANEK) (project code: T2EDK-02428, 2020-2023).

In this Open Access Laboratory, the study and conservation of large-scale paintings is carried out through a specialized robotic system and modern analytical devices. The robotic displacement system that has been developed combines high accuracy with low cost, which has been achieved by utilizing innovative machine vision techniques. The system carries advanced spectroscopic and imaging devices, which enable a comprehensive study of the project, in terms of construction materials and its current state of preservation.

The general public is able to follow these works while they are carried out, with simultaneous guided tours. This immediacy brings the public closer to the work of the conservator and researcher, educates them on artistic materials, techniques, methods, helps them to approach each painting in its period and its history, as well as to delve deeper into art issues.

The PROTEAS project involved the participation of the National Gallery Alexandros Soutsos Museum (NG-ASM), the Institute of Computer Science of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of FORTH, the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics (INPP) of the National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, and two companies, Printec S.A. and up2metric P.C. The scientific coordinator of the project was Mrs. E. Agathonikou, Head of the Collections, Museological and Artistic Planning Department of NG-ASM. The project was coordinated by the Institute of Computer Science of FORTH.

For the actions planned and implemented at the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum in Proteas open-lab, you can be informed in detail in the “Educational” section. Those who are interested and who would like to participate, can contact the email:openlab@nationalgallery.gr

Download the brochure about the Open Αccess Laboratory in PDF format.