TheoPhilos focuses on the theoretical foundations and the overarching frameworks of conservation, restoration and preservation practice in our globalizing world. As these foundations and frameworks shift in response to contemporary challenges and developments, TheoPhilos aims to establish and strengthen the integrated theoretical basis for all those involved with cultural heritage, drawing together the contributions of multiple disciplines.
TheoPhilos Mission Statement
Welcome to the International Committee on Theory and Philosophy of Conservation and Restoration (TheoPhilos)! In 2026 we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of our first meeting, held in Krakow in 2006. Since then, TheoPhilos has provided the leading forum for developing the relation of conservation theory to practice in dialogue with all parts of the conservation community, and with a consistent record of publication. Please see below for details of forthcoming events, and our Membership page for a list of current members, and for details of how to join.
The International Scientific Committee on Theory and Philosophy of Conservation and Restoration (TheoPhilos) will hold a session as part of GA2026 in Kuching, Malaysia on the theme of ‘Doctrinal’ Texts in an Age of Living Heritage. 2026 also marks the 20th anniversary of the very first TheoPhilos meeting in Krakow in May 2006.
Responding to the ongoing Review of the Doctrinal Text Adoption Process and the GA theme of Living Heritage, this session will discuss whether it is still feasible or desirable to attempt to develop universal principles for the conservation and care of historic places in an age when local communities and regional interests have an increasing say in conservation processes. It will discuss the case for (and against) continuing to produce such documents, and the practical experiences of attempting to do so. The session presentations will be in PechaKucha format (maximum 6m 40s and 20 slides), followed by discussion.
The conference will address the following themes:
What is a ‘Doctrinal’ Text, and are they compatible with Living Heritage?
What role, if any, should ‘Doctrinal’ Texts play in a Living Heritage context?
How can we speak of universalism in a Living Heritage context?
Personal (positive or negative) experience/examples of the use of ‘Doctrinal’ Texts in a Living Heritage context
Submission of abstracts for proposed papers is via this web form: https://www.icomosga2026.org.my/en/abstract. When submitting your abstract, please ensure that in answer to the first question (‘Submission Category’) that you select ‘Session’, and then the third option. The deadline for submissions is Thursday 30 April 2026. You can download the PDF-format CALL FOR PAPERS, and (in French) APPEL POUR DES PAPIERS. Authors of papers will be informed of the reviewers’ decision in line with the Symposium organisers’ timescales by 15 June 2026.
Please note that presentations are in PechaKucha format, and so are limited to up to 20 slides and 6m 40s length. The aim of the presentations is to provide the context for the following discussions. Presentations are in-person only. By participating in this conference you agree to the video of the sessions being published on our website via YouTube.
We will be holding a session as part of the Scientific Symposium of the General Assembly 2026 in Kuching Malaysia in October (please see the call for papers); more details to follow.
Our Autumn 2026 conference will take place in Łodz, Poland, on Monday 21 – Tuesday 22 September, and will be on the theme of the protection of historic public spaces – squares, streets and courtyards, etc. – and their adaptation to climate. The conference title is ‘Amazing City: Historic Public Spaces in the Age of Climate Change. Further details will follow soon.
Dates for our Spring 2027 conference in Florence are confirmed as Tuesday 9 – Wednesday 10 March; conference title to be confirmed.
Our 26th Conference took place in Liège on 20–21 November 2025. The conference featured some 20 papers, with 40 colleagues attending in person, with many others online. Download the CONFERENCE PROGRAMME and the CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS here; video of the sessions will be posted when available.
Alongside the presentations, on the Thursday we held a roundtable discussion on the current state of conservation and the place of ICOMOS within it. We were joined by colleagues from four other heritage organisations, each of whom presented their thoughts: Julie Deschepper (Association of Critical Heritge Studies), Susan Macdonald (Getty Conservation Institute), Valérie Magar (ICCROM), and Alexandra Warr (Historic England).
Workshop on the adoption of Doctrinal Texts
On the Friday we also held a workshop to discuss the current ADCOM review of the process for the adoption of Doctrinal Texts (Articles 8-11 of Rules of Procedure). The aim of this review is to ensure that future adopted texts are of high quality, effective and of enduring relevance. We were joined virtually by two members of the task team working on the proposal – Mariana Pinto Leitao Pereira and Brandi Hall-Crossgrove – who provided an excellent introduction to the proposal. As a Committee we are preparing our considered response to the proposals.
Walking tour of Liège led by Claudine Houbart
As part of our programme, we also had an optional additional day of activities on the Wednesday – a visit to the University of Leuven archive, which holds all the papers of Raymond Lemaire, including many relating to the drafting and attempted revision of the Venice Charter. This was followed by a tour of the Grand Beguinage, which Lemaire was refurbishing at the time of the Venice Charter and the creation of ICOMOS. On the Saturday morning we were treated to a walking tour of the historic centre of Liège. Congratulations to Prof. Claudine Houbart for the excellent organisation of the event. Thanks go to the University of Liège School of Architecture for their generous hosting of the event, and to Maxime Coq for his help throughout.
