A guide to protecting cultural heritage

Guidelines, legislation, and emergency procedures for cultural heritage professionals. Prepare your institution for emergencies before they occur.
The ochranakulturnehodedicstva.sk platform is a central source of information on protecting collection objects and historic buildings against natural disasters, theft, and other crises.

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PRISM Conference
  • Prevention
  • Response

  • Rescue

  • Prevencia

  • Reakcia
  • Záchrana

The ochranakulturnehodedicstva.sk platform was developed as part of the PRISM project (Prevention, Research, Investigation and Security in Museums), funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture and led by ICOM’s Heritage Protection Department, based at its International Secretariat in Paris.

Help for specific emergencies

Natural disaster and fire

Floods, storms, fires, and other emergencies. Procedures, prevention, and rescue.

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Theft and vandalism

Theft, robbery, and vandalism. How to protect collections and respond to incidents.

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Discovery of an archaeological artefact

How to report an archaeological find in Slovakia. Step-by-step instructions on what to do at the findspot.

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Armed conflict

Preventive measures to protect and safeguard cultural heritage in peacetime, and rescue procedures in the event of a threat of armed conflict.

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Database of illicit archaeological finds

A new register collecting information on lost artifacts that ended up on the black market or in private collections. The database will be continuously updated and will assist in mapping these irreplaceable national losses.

  • The result of an in-depth research of hundreds of expert texts from the 90s to the present

  • Hoards of gold, bronze, and coins from the Stone Age to the Modern Era

  • Uncovering valuable artifacts in private hands in Slovakia and abroad

  • Highlighting items that have become a commodity for criminal networks

Observatory Illicit Traffic: International Observatory on Illicit Traffic in Cultural Goods

ICOM’s International Observatory is a major global platform dedicated to combating the theft and smuggling of cultural property. It collects data, monitors the black market, and connects museum experts directly with police and customs authorities worldwide. It gives professionals access to international legislation, practical resources, and lists of the categories of cultural heritage objects most at risk. It serves as a central information hub for coordinating international rescue operations and sharing important alerts quickly.

Best Practices

from Experienced Professionals

Up-to-date Information

and Legislation

Prevention, Response

and Rescue

Community of Professionals

and Institutions

Discussion forum

Join the discussion forum to share experiences, information, and questions about protecting cultural heritage with other professionals.

Go to forum

Videos, interviews, and case studies

Zobraziť všetko

News & Updates

Všetky novinky

Database of manuals and guides

Best practices and procedures tailored to the different stages of crisis prevention and response.

Natural disaster
and fire

Metodický pokyn č. 2/2016 na ochranu kultúrneho dedičstva v krízových situáciách

Natural disaster
and fire

Zákon o múzeách a o galériách a o ochrane predmetov kultúrnej hodnoty ZZ 2009 206 20240801

Natural disaster
and fire

Hlavné zásady pri krízovej situácií

Need help or advice?

Get recommendations and practical guidance from experienced professionals, discuss problems, and seek advice from our experts.

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Discussion Forum
Diskusné fórum
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Protection of Cultural Heritage
– Information for the Public

The ochranakulturnehodedicstva.sk platform aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our shared cultural heritage.

Find out what cultural heritage is, why protecting it matters, and what happens if we lose it.

  • What is Cultural Heritage

  • How the Public Can Work with Institutions

  • Stories of Lost and Found Artefacts

  • Real Cases and Incidents from Museums and Galleries

Using metal detectors and damaging archaeological finds and sites is illegal

Help to protect and preserve archaeological heritage. Find detailed information and explanations about illegal searches for archaeological finds in Slovakia.

Overview of archaeological heritage

A comprehensive overview of archaeological finds, illegal searches for archaeological finds, and illicit trafficking in archaeological cultural heritage.

Reporting an archaeological find

A step-by-step guide to reporting the discovery of an archaeological artefact in Slovakia (including on private land)

Legislation and criminal penalties

Key laws, decrees, and guidelines on the protection of archaeological finds

Education and multimedia

Explore interactive simulations, themed videos, and real-life case studies. Learn, practise, and find inspiration.

Quiz

Practise making decisions in hypothetical situations and test your responses in simulated scenarios.

  • Realistic Emergency Scenarios

  • Make Decisions Against the Clock

  • Assessment and Feedback

Video library by topic