Athens Charter

- The League of Nations was established in 1919 after World War I for international
cooperation.
- The International Committee on Intellectual Co-operation was founded within the
League of Nations.
- The International Museums Office was created in 1926 as part of the committee's
cultural activities.
- The International Council of Museums (ICOM) was established in 1946 as the
successor to the Museums Office.
- An International Conference for the Study of Scientific Methods for the Examination
and Preservation of Works of Art was organized in Rome in 1930.
- Another meeting focused on architectural monuments took place in Athens in 1931.
- The conference recommended the conservation of historic monuments instead of
extensive restoration.
- Public authorities were encouraged to have the power to take measures in
emergency cases.
- Preservation of the picturesque character of historic areas was emphasized.
- Consolidation work on single structures should be concealed to maintain their
appearance.
- Removal of works of art from their original surroundings was discouraged.
- Ruined structures could be reinstated with original fragments whenever possible.
- Excavated architectural remains, if not feasible to conserve, should be buried after
accurate records were prepared.
- International cooperation between countries for the protection of works of art was
encouraged.
- The Athens Charter, a resolution emphasizing the conservation of authentic historic
monuments and works of art, was adopted in 1931 and marked the beginning of
international guidelines for preservation.
- The Charter's principles influenced subsequent documents, such as the Italian
National Charter for Conservation and Le Corbusier's Charter of Athens in 1941.