Press release
European Day of Restoration: University of Applied Sciences Potsdam gets ‘Right up close!’ and brings restoration to life
With the FHP Mobil outside the Bode-Museum, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam will present its Conservation and Restoration degree programme on the 18th of October 2026. Historic craft techniques, current research projects and personal study advice offer insights into a diverse professional field.
On the 18th of October, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam (FHP) will take part in the European Day of Restoration, presenting its Conservation and Restoration degree programme in front of and inside the Bode-Museum in Berlin. In cooperation with the museum, the university is bringing its mobile tiny house, the FHP Mobil, to the heart of Germany’s capital. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of restoration for preserving cultural heritage and, in particular, to give young people insights into the professional field.
The programme will showcase its three specialisms: wood, stone and wall painting. Using exhibits, tools and practical demonstrations, visitors can discover historic techniques and see what knowledge is needed to preserve works of art and cultural heritage. Students will demonstrate veneer gluing, retouching techniques and wickerwork, among other things. Also on display will be mosaics, historic polychrome finishes, gilding, scagliola (stucco marble) panels, straw marquetry and traditional timber jointing techniques. Materials and tools for surface cleaning, as well as a microscope, offer further insights into restoration practice. Information material and personal advice round off the programme.
Restoration between craft and research
Alongside traditional techniques, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam will present current research projects in which students are also involved as part of their theses. They show how craft experience, scientific analysis and innovative methods contribute to preserving historic objects and buildings.
The wood specialism will present the collaborative research project ‘RWTec-Detox’, which is developing methods for detoxifying works of art contaminated with biocides. In the stone specialism, the focus is on environmentally friendly cleaning methods: a project funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) is investigating the use of essential oils against algae and lichen on stone surfaces. Results of a completed DBU project on laser cleaning of stone, wood and metal will also be presented, including test areas created on the cathedrals in Halberstadt, Magdeburg and Halle.
The wall painting specialism and the natural science focus offer insights into the investigation of medieval wall paintings on the gable of St Nicholas’ Church (Nikolaikirche) in Frankfurt (Oder). Using innovative conservation and scientific methods, the DBU project is exploring how environmental conditions affect historic paintings and which measures can contribute to their long-term preservation.
Insights into a diverse professional field
By taking part in the European Day of Restoration, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is particularly targeting young people who are exploring career options. The combination of practical demonstrations, research insights and study advice shows how restoration brings together craft skills, scientific work and the responsible handling of cultural heritage.
At the same time, the FHP Mobil raises the university’s visibility beyond the museum. In addition to information on the Conservation and Restoration programme, other FHP degree programmes will be presented. In this way, the university highlights the importance of training qualified professionals who preserve cultural heritage and combine traditional techniques with innovative methods.
When: Sunday, 18th of October 2026, 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Museumsinsel Berlin, Am Kupfergraben, 10178 Berlin (entrance via the Monbijou Bridge)
