FAQ

What is MACC?

The Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC) is a non-profit regional center working for the preservation and conservation of art and artifacts. Organized in 1977 by area museums to care for their collections, MACC has grown to become a full service fine arts conservation center that serves all kinds of cultural institutions, museums, historical societies, libraries, archives, as well as artists and private and corporate collections.

MACC provides a full range of professional conservation services including the examination and treatment of a wide variety of art, historical and cultural artifacts, paintings on canvas and solid supports, murals, indoor and outdoor sculpture, decorative art objects, archaeological artifacts, prints and drawings, photographs, documents, tapestries, quilts and costumes. Other services include x-radiography and materials analysis.

MACC conservators also provide preservation management advice and consultation. They can conduct General Preservation Assessment Surveys and Object by Object Surveys and also offer seminars and workshops in collections care and emergency preparedness. Conservators are available 24 hours a day to assist in emergency response and recovery.

MACC membership is available to non-profit organizations and government entities. If you have questions about our organization, please call 612-870-3120 or email [email protected].

Where is MACC?

MACC is located within The Minneapolis Institute of Art at 2400 Third Avenue South. MACC visitors can check in at Loading Dock B on the West side of the building (2401 Stevens Avenue South). Wheelchair access is available at both locations. Download a map here.

Who Uses MACC?

MACC provides art conservation treatment services for museums, historical societies, libraries, archives, cultural and professional organizations, government entities, as well as artists, private individuals, and corporate collections.

How Can I Get Something Treated by MACC?

  • Examination of Artwork and Objects – All items must first be examined by a MACC conservator. Make an appointment with MACC at 612-870-3120 / [email protected] to bring and leave your piece at MACC’s secure museum facility. There is a $100 cost for the in-lab examination for non-members. Offsite visits require scheduling with a conservator. During the examination, the conservator will detail the condition of your piece, perform tests and determine the proper conservation treatment. The conservator then provides you with a written Condition Report and Treatment Proposal.
  • Approving the Treatment – Sign and date the appropriate lines on your MACC Condition Report and Treatment Proposal and return via email or paper mail (2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404). Your treatment will then be added to the conservator’s queue.
  • Treatment Conservation – Treatment work begins when your piece is reached in the conservator’s queue. All treatments conducted at MACC adhere to The Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
  • Completion – When conservation treatment on your piece is complete, you will receive an invoice for MACC’s services. Once payment is received, you may pick up your piece from MACC’s facility or arrange for return shipment. You may also choose to pay for your treatment when you pick up your art or artifact.

Will MACC Appraise my Artwork(s)?

MACC does not appraise artworks. A certified appraiser can get you started on valuing your art. MACC is solely an art conservation resource center and laboratory. MACC does not treat artworks on the basis of their value. The same high quality care and adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice is given to every piece that enters our facility.

Are There Internship and Training Opportunities at MACC?

Some opportunities exist for dedicated and talented individuals interested in the field of conservation. Pre-program, mid-program and recent program graduates can inquire about internships and other opportunities. Also, individuals that are interested in non-profit management and administration are encouraged to contact us. Please direct your correspondence to: Executive Director, MACC, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404 or [email protected].

If you are interested in becoming a professional conservator, you should know that admission to a graduate program requires an undergraduate degree with studies in art history, chemistry, and studio art. Each of the graduate programs prescribes specific classes and number of credits in these areas of study. In addition, graduate program prerequisites include hundreds of hours working with a trained conservator. While the rigorous programs accept very few applicants each year, this is an extremely interesting and rewarding career. For requirements and prerequisites for admission please refer to these links to the graduate programs in conservation studies in North America: