​Altamira Museum Board of Trustees approves ongoing controlled visits to cave as part of Preventive Conservation Plan

The results from scientific studies carried out over the last two years show that a human presence under the access conditions and protocols applied during the experimental visits has no detrimental effect on conservation of the cave.

These same studies concluded that the main factor affecting the integrity of the paintings is a "loss of pigment due to washing" caused by the infiltration of water and possible effects of the condensation build-up that occurs naturally in the cave. As a result, the Preventive Conservation Plan will henceforth increase its study of this phenomenon.

The Board of Trustees has decided to maintain constant monitoring of the cave under the Preventive Conservation Plan, which includes analysis of environmental and microbiological conditions, especially during the course of visits to the cave. At any event, public visits will be subject to the ongoing maintenance of stable conditions within the cave and may be suspended if changes are detected.

It was also agreed to conclude the work on implementing the Preventive Conservation Plan, as this has shown itself to be a useful and effective tool for cave conservation. Meanwhile, a request was made to strengthen coordination of the various projects that comprise the plan and constantly adapt their content to new data, the sole purpose being to improve knowledge about and conservation of the cave.

Access protocol

The access protocol consists of a 37-minute visit, comprising a defined route and a specific period of time in each part of the cave. Visitors must wear special lights and disposable overalls, cap, facemask and special footwear; all of which are provided by the museum.

The Preventive Conservation Plan and its Oversight Committee

The Preventive Conservation Plan was implemented after the meeting of the Altamira Museum Board of Trustees in September 2014. Coordinated by the Institute for Spanish Cultural Heritage (Spanish acronym: IPCE), the plan defines and governs the Altamira Cave conservation strategy. This involves constant monitoring and control of the risks that affect, or could potentially affect, this cultural asset, which has been declared a World Heritage Site.

The Board of Trustees appointed an Oversight Committee to guarantee implementation and maintenance of the plan, which is made up by members appointed by the Altamira Museum, the Subdirectorate-General of State Museums, the Institute for Spanish Cultural Heritage, the National Scientific Research Council (Spanish acronym: CSIC) and the University of Cantabria.

Ana Patricia Botín and Javier Botín, new members of the Altamira Museum Board of Trustees

Ana Patricia Botín and Javier Botín were unanimously accepted as new Members of the Board of Trustees. Ana Patricia Botín will act as Vice-Chairman and fill the position left vacant following the passing away of Emilio Botín. Pursuant to the articles of association of the board of trustees, the board needed to reach an agreement before this position could be filled.