The Protection of Archaeological Heritage: Theory Meets Practice
📍 Florence (Italy)
🗓 12–13 March 2026
Palazzo Coppini – Via del Giglio 10
The 27th Conference of the ICOMOS TheoPhilos International Scientific Committee, held for the 17th time in Florence, brings together international experts, scholars, and practitioners to explore how the theory and philosophy of conservation meet real-world practice in the protection of archaeological heritage.
Organised by ICOMOS Theophilos ISC and ICOMOS ICAHM, in collaboration with the Fondazione Romualdo Del Bianco – Life Beyond Tourism® and Florence Venues, the conference provides a space for interdisciplinary dialogue, case studies, and shared reflection on the contemporary challenges facing archaeological heritage, including conservation methodologies, management strategies, accessibility, and climate-related risks.
Why participate
Participating in the 27th ICOMOS TheoPhilos ISC Conference means taking part in an international moment of reflection and exchange dedicated to the protection of archaeological heritage, where theory and practice meet.
The conference offers participants the opportunity to:
engage in high-level discussions with international experts, researchers, and professionals working in diverse cultural and geographic contexts;
explore current challenges and best practices in the protection, conservation, and interpretation of archaeological heritage;
contribute to a shared reflection on heritage as a driver for responsibility, dialogue, and cultural understanding;
connect with a multidisciplinary and multicultural network of institutions, scholars, and practitioners committed to heritage-led sustainable development.
Set in Florence, a city deeply connected to the values of cultural dialogue promoted by Life Beyond Tourism®, the conference offers not only a professional exchange, but also a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the role of heritage in shaping more conscious and inclusive futures.
Programme
The conference programme will include thematic sessions, keynote lectures, and case-study presentations, offering a balanced dialogue between theoretical perspectives and applied practices in the field of archaeological heritage.
DOWNOAD THE CONFERENCE PROGRAM: R055-TheoPhilos-Conference-Programme-260312
Participation & Registration
a) In-person attendance (Florence, Italy)
In-person participation includes access to both conference days (13–14 March 2026).
The farewell dinner is not included and must be booked separately.
Reduced fee – €85.00 (VAT included)
Applicable to:
ICOMOS Members
Experts of the Fondazione Romualdo Del Bianco – Life Beyond Tourism®
Participants affiliated with institutions or organisations that have an active Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fondazione Romualdo Del Bianco – Life Beyond Tourism®
Standard fee – €190.00
Applicable to participants who do not fall within the categories listed above.
Auditors:
Student Auditor: €42.00 per day
Standard Auditor: €85.00 per day
A limited number of 20 in-person participants will be sponsored by the Fondazione Romualdo Del Bianco.
All other in-person participants are required to pay the applicable registration fee via bank transfer.
Please note that the farewell dinner on the evening of 12 March 2026 is not included in the registration fee and must be paid separately, directly by the participants. The dinner cost will be about €40.00.
b) Livestream attendance
Livestream participation includes access to both conference days (13–14 March 2026).
Free of charge for:
ICOMOS Members
Experts of the Fondazione Romualdo Del Bianco – Life Beyond Tourism®
Participants affiliated with institutions or organisations that have an active Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fondazione Romualdo Del Bianco – Life Beyond Tourism®
Fee – €20.00
Applicable to participants who do not fall within the categories listed above.
How to register
To register for the conference, participants are required to complete the Google registration form available at the following link:
👉 https://forms.gle/RMNdCj3pwG3DyCr1A
By registering for the conference, participants agree that sessions may be recorded and published on the organisers’ official channels.
Payment details
Where applicable, registration fees must be paid by bank transfer, using the details below.
Bank transfer details:
Beneficiary: Centro Eventi Firenze S.r.l. SB
Bank: Banca Intesa
IBAN: IT35R0306902912100000017475
BIC/SWIFT: BCITITMMXXX
Reason for payment: ICOMOS TheoPhilos ISC Conference 2026 – Participant’s full name
Kindly note that bank transfer fees, if applicable, are to be covered by the payer.
Registration will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of payment.
Deadlines and practical information
Participants will receive further practical information by email ahead of the conference, including:
the deadline for final confirmation of attendance at the farewell dinner on the evening of 12 March 2026;
the deadline for submitting PowerPoint presentations, set for Monday 9 March 2026 (the Monday preceding the conference).
Any updates or additional details will be communicated directly to registered participants.
Information and assistance
For any questions, clarifications, or specific requests related to registration, fees, or eligibility, please contact:
