Although great art is timeless, time takes its toll on great art.
The conservation of art—literally preserving objects through professional, specialized treatment—is one of the Museum of Fine Art’s most important goals. It is also a crucial part of the MFA’s Art Unbound project, our grand rethinking and reinterpretation of the collection.
This exhibition highlights the final phase of Luis Seixas’ conservation of the museum’s Tabernacle of Saints Peter and Paul. The long, complicated treatment of this extraordinary gilded, painted, and carved piece of art will stabilize and visually reintegrate its decoration. As part of Art Unbound it will be placed in the collection galleries in 2028, inviting fresh conversations and perspectives about this extraordinary object.
Our reinterpretation and reinstallation of the collection will also feature rarely seen objects, some of which will also be treated by Mr. Seixas. His meticulous cleaning and consolidating artworks, many on display here, will enhance their appearance and preserve them for future generations.
Image: Unknown Artist, Active Rhineland, 15th century, Adoration of the Magi, ca. 1450, Painted and gilded wood, Museum purchase
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts