Application of calcifying bacteria for remediation of stones and cultural heritages

Since ages, architects and artists worldwide have focused on usage of durable stones as marble and limestone for construction of beautiful and magnificent historic monuments as European Cathedrals, Roman, and Greek temples, Taj Mahal etc. But survival of these irreplaceable cultural and historical assets is in question these days due to their degradation and deterioration caused by number of biotic and abiotic factors. These causative agents have affected not only the esthetic appearance of these structures, but also lead to deterioration of their strength and durability. The present review emphasizes about different causative agents leading to deterioration and application of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation as a novel and potential technology for dealing with these problems. The study also sheds light on benefits of microbial carbonate binders over the traditional agents and future directions

Re-excavating’ Findings in Storage: The Refurbishment of the Old Acropolis Museum in Athens

Since 1874, the Old Acropolis Museum (OAM) in Athens has housed archaeological materials from the Acropolis Hill and its Slopes, dating from Antiquity to the modern period. This case study explores the undertaking, over the past three years, of the OAM Reopening Project by the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens (EACA), attached to the Greek Ministry of Culture. The repackaging, re-documentation, and study of stored objects, as well as the study of archives and relevant literature, unearthed both the history of OAM and the management of Acropolis antiquities. The stored archaeological material represents a unique and fascinating case study relevant to a diverse range of important topics for the cultural heritage sector, such as socio-political contexts, science, technology and available resources, as well as biographical insights into important players in the history of the museum. ‘Re-excavating’ stored archaeological material might represent an important strategy in the evolution of preventive conservation, and is relevant to the emerging history of archaeological storage practices. © 2021 International Council of Museums (ICOM)