Robert Koestler retires as Director of the Museum Conservation Institute
Koestler, who has served as MCI’s director since 2004, will retire from the Smithsonian effective Jan. 13, 2023.
Koestler joined the Smithsonian after nearly 24 years at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and eight years at the American Museum of Natural History. He also has consulted on many projects worldwide for foundations, museums, collections, and government conservation organizations.
During his distinguished career, Koestler contributed to art conservation research and practice, including quantification and early detection of biodeterioration, assessment of visual changes in material surfaces, and control of insect and fungal infestations in objects. He developed a specialized method for eradicating these damaging organism infestations without harming the artwork or exposing conservators to dangerous chemicals; he has used this method to treat thousands of objects throughout the world.
As director, Koestler brought new technology and focus to the Museum Conservation Institute’s research and conservation efforts, working closely with the Smithsonian museums to protect and conserve their collections. During his tenure, MCI worked closely with the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative, helping to support cultural rescue around the world.
A national search is underway for Koestler’s successor. Jessie Johnson will serve as Acting Director of MCI in the interim.
About MCI
The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI), located in Suitland, Maryland, is the center for specialized technical collections research and conservation for all Smithsonian museums and collections. The MCI combines knowledge of materials and the history of technology with state-of-the-art instrumentation and scientific techniques to provide technical research studies and interpretation of artistic, anthropological, biological, and historical objects. Through its Protecting Cultural Heritage and Preventive Conservation Programs, and by participating in the Smithsonian’s signature Preparedness and Response in Collections Emergencies (PRICE) program, the MCI responds to the threats facing cultural heritage in multiple and complex ways. This includes analyzing and consulting on preservation environments; developing less invasive and damaging storage, display, and conservation techniques; and supporting U.S. agencies and the museum community in identifying illicitly trafficked cultural heritage artifacts and objects. For example, the MCI works with the U.S. Department of State on a highly successful training program at the Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage in Erbil, which supports the rescue and recovery of Iraqi and regional cultural heritage artifacts.
Related posts:
Posted: 12 January 2023
- Categories:
