- Where are you located?
- What are your hours?
- Are you open for tours?
- Is your facility available for rent?
- Do you offer classes in…
- What kinds of art storage do you offer? What does it cost?
- Do you do appraisals?
- I think my painting may be an original by a famous artist. Do you do authentication?
- Can you tell me over the phone how to fix my object?
- How much does conservation cost?
- Do you have to be a member of the ICA to bring in an object for conservation?
- I live far away. Would ICA conservators travel to my area to examine my object?
- I work for a small library/museum. Would an ICA conservator come to my organization and talk to me about preserving my collection?
Q: Where are you located?
A: Our facility is located at 2915 Detroit Avenue, in Cleveland, Ohio. View the Directions/Map page for a map and detailed directions. We inhabit a renovated warehouse that sold Vitrolite glass in the early twentieth-century. The building has been refit with conservation laboratories and state-of-the-art climate-controlled storage areas. Return to Top
Q: What are your hours?
A: Our standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9AM to
5PM. Please contact us in advance at 216.658.8700 to schedule a visit
appointment. No walk-ins, please. Return
to Top
Q: Are you open for tours?
A: In addition to our regularly scheduled member tours, we welcome
groups that want to learn more about conservation and preservation. If
your group is interested in touring the center, please contact the Field
Services Officer. Return to Top
Q: Is your facility available for rent?
A: Yes, you may rent space for your meeting, reception, or small
educational workshop. For more information, please contact 216.658.8700.
Return to Top
Q: Do you offer classes in…
A: The ICA’s Field Services Division conducts regular outreach
and education for those in need of instruction in conservation topics.
View the currently scheduled programs.
If you have suggestions for programming, please contact the Field
Services Officer. Return to Top
Q: What kinds of art storage do you offer? What does it cost?
A: The ICA has a 41,000 cubic foot art storage facility, with an individually zoned HVAC system and state-of-the-art multiple security systems. We can accommodate individual art pieces or entire collections, including traveling exhibitions on a temporary or permanent basis. For more information on storing your collection, please contact the ICA at 216.658.8700. Return to Top
Q: Do you do appraisals? What is my object worth?
A: All ICA conservators hold degrees in conservation specialties from graduate training programs in the United States and abroad. However, they have no formal training in making value appraisals. If you require an appraisal of your object, we suggest that you contact a professional organization such as the American Society of Appraisers or the National Association of Professional Appraisers. Return to Top
Q: I think my painting may be an original by a famous artist. Do you do authentication?
A: While the ICA does not provide final authentication on artwork, we can offer technical assistance in a number of areas including materials analysis. The ICA can also offer recommendations and referrals to other experts in the field. Return to Top
Q: Can you tell me over the phone how to fix my object?
A: Correctly assessing the condition of an object is a very complex process, and requires years of education and experience. (Conservators typically complete an undergraduate degree, pre-program internships, three to four years of graduate work, and three to four years of fellowships/internships prior to official employment.) Though we are happy to speak with you, we often cannot advise you in specific terms without seeing an object in person. Return to Top
Q: How much does conservation cost?
A: A number of factors determine the cost of any conservation treatment, including the extent of the treatment and whether the client is a member of the ICA. If you are considering having a conservation project done, please see Obtaining An Estimate. Return to Top
Q: Do you have to be a member of the ICA to bring in an object for conservation?
A: No, you do not have to be a member of the ICA to receive our services. However, we strongly encourage those who are interested in having projects done to consider membership, because members receive discounted prices on certain services. View the Become a Member page for more information on membership in the ICA. Return to Top
Q: I live far away. Would ICA conservators travel to my area to examine my object?
A: It is usually best that an object be brought to our facility, and we are happy to advise on the best methods for packing and shipping art materials. When that is not possible, arrangements can be made for a conservator to travel to you. Return to Top
Q: I work for a small library/museum.
Would an ICA conservator come to my organization and talk to me about
preserving my collection?
A: Outreach is a fundamental part of our mission, and we are committed
to providing high quality, low cost services to any cultural institution
in need. We are frequently contacted by small organizations seeking
guidance on a variety of subjects. We have found that it is often
most beneficial to these organizations to begin by speaking with a staff
member in the Field Services Division, who can offer general advice on
a variety of subjects, including collection
surveys, emergency response/disaster
recovery, and grant assistance.
For an assessment of what services the ICA can provide to your organization,
please contact the Field
Services Officer. Return to Top
