A: Our facility is located at 2915 Detroit Avenue, in Cleveland, Ohio. View the Directions/Map page for more detailed information. 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.
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.
A: We welcome groups that want to learn more about conservation and preservation. If your group is interested in touring the center, please contact the Education & Outreach Officer.
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.
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 future programming, please contact the Education & Outreach Officer.
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 and pricing estimates for storing your collection, please contact the Operations Manager.
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.
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.
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.
Q: How much does conservation cost?
A: A number of factors determine the cost of any conservation treatment. If you are considering having a conservation project done, please see Obtaining An Estimate.
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. We encourage those who share our commitment to preserving our common cultural heritage to consider supporting our work through membership. View the Become a Member page for more information.
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. Objects should never be shipped to the ICA without advanced notice to our Registrar.
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 Education & Outreach Officer.
