Gruppo Beni Culturali-GBC (Art Diagnostic Group) of the Istituto Nazionale di Ottica Applicata-CNR (National Institute of Applied Optics of the National Research Council) carries out research activities in the field of non-invasive diagnostics of objects of historical or artistic interest, focussing on new optical technologies.

New instruments and methodologies, are developed and implemented on the basis of research results, field tests and the needs of end-users.

GBC cooperates with public boards involved in this sector such as the Soprintendenze (local bodies of the Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali), museums, galleries and conservation institutes.

GBC promotes also the creation of a national diagnostic laboratory network for art conservation. The GBC head laboratory is the Optical Metrology laboratory, situated since 1998 in the restoration laboratory of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure of Florence.

Imaging techniques

3D relief techniques