From April 22 to 25, Tallinn hosted the 14th Baltic States Conservators’ Conference, a longstanding gathering that has brought together heritage conservation specialists since 1987. Held every three years in rotation among Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, this year’s conference explored the theme “Connecting Histories: Conservation in a Shifting Landscape.”

Participants shared not only their professional achievements, but also the realities of highly complex restoration projects. That spirit of openness formed the central message of the conference’s curators: “Let us share not only the most successful restoration and conservation solutions, but also the problems, because this is extremely important for restoration specialists.”

Over the course of the conference, experts examined some of the most pressing issues in cultural heritage preservation and restoration across a remarkably wide range of subjects. Discussions moved from exhibition monitoring and wall paintings to historic buildings, archaeological finds, paper conservation, food-based objects, street graffiti and even the reconstruction of a motorcyclist’s suit. Conservators from across the Baltic States attended alongside colleagues from Poland, Malta, Italy, Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and Sweden.

Twelve conservators from the Lithuanian National Museum also took part in the event. Conservator Ieva Paukštytė-Schinello delivered a presentation titled “Unusual Museum Objects Made of Food Products: Challenges of Conservation and Preservation,” while conservator Simona Matuzevičiūtė presented “Ad perpetuam memoriam: Treatment and Preparation of the Remains of Roman Catholic Church Dignitaries Giedraičiai for Display.” Specialists from other restoration fields contributed seven poster presentations exploring recent conservation challenges and successfully completed restoration projects.

Beyond the conference halls, participants visited the restoration workshops of the Kanut Conservation Centre, the Museum of Ecclesiastical Heritage, an exhibition dedicated to restoration projects and a number of other Tallinn sites closely connected to the conservation profession. Over time, the conference has evolved into a deeply rooted tradition—one that inspires specialists to pursue new projects, embrace challenges, cultivate expertise and strengthen the wider restoration community.

The next chapter in the conference cycle is already planned: Lithuania will host the gathering once again in 2029.

More information about the conference and its presentations can be found at triennial.eestikonservaator.ee.