Methodological Centre for Heritage Science: A New Impulse for Modern Cultural Heritage Care in the Czech Republic
Modern cultural heritage care increasingly relies on the integration of conservation practice with scientific research, new technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These principles form the core mission of the Methodological Centre for Heritage Science of the National Heritage Institute, which aims to strengthen the professional foundation of heritage conservation in the Czech Republic, foster closer cooperation with universities and research institutions, and enable more effective application of current scientific knowledge in monument protection.
The Centre focuses on the development of so-called Heritage Science—an interdisciplinary approach that connects the humanities with natural and technical sciences in the study, conservation, restoration, and long-term sustainable use of cultural heritage. In practice, this involves supporting higher-quality research on monuments, historic settlements, and cultural landscapes; systematically introducing analytical and documentation methods; sharing professional procedures; and transferring research results directly into heritage conservation practice.
An important role of the Methodological Centre for Heritage Science will also be the development of professional networks—both within the National Heritage Institute and in cooperation with Czech and international universities, research institutions, and specialized workplaces. The Centre will participate in professional education, organize workshops, prepare methodological materials, and create a platform for systematic collaboration in the fields of research, conservation, and restoration of tangible cultural heritage.
The Methodological Centre for Heritage Science was established on 1 January 2026 and operates as part of the Regional Office of the National Heritage Institute in Olomouc. It is headed by dott. Jana Michalčáková, Ph.D., et Ph.D., who previously served as Deputy Director General of the National Heritage Institute for Heritage Conservation.
Together with the Methodological Centre for Industrial Heritage in Ostrava, the Methodological Centre for Modern Architecture in Brno, and the Methodological Centre for Garden Culture in Kroměříž, it is the fourth methodological centre of the National Heritage Institute. The Institute’s methodological centres focus on research in specific thematic areas, present research findings, and disseminate them to professionals as well as to the wider public.