Technology

Sometimes the colors in paints and dyes come from the natural world, like plants, minerals, and… bugs? Meet the cochineal—the tiny, cactus-loving insect that brings a bright, vibrant red color to art, clothing, and even food—and learn all about the science of pigments.

It’s dinosaur couture! Polymers are everywhere: in your body, in your clothes, and in art all over The Met. Learn about how we use the science of plastics and polymers to preserve art and try to protect the future from waste and pollution.

Art is full of mysteries that can’t be revealed by a quick glance. How do we see what’s hiding inside objects and learn how they were made and repaired? We use an x-ray machine, just like you’d find at the doctor’s office!

Waves: they’re not just in the ocean. We need waves of light to look at art at The Met. But what if we want to take a closer look? Then, we use an electron microscope, a cool tool that uses energy waves to zoom in on art like never before.

Art at The Met is made of many materials, including natural materials like minerals. Environmental conditions can affect these minerals, and even make an ancient statue grow ear hair! Learn about the science of crystals and salts, and how we use our knowledge to protect the art.

We need light to see art, but the safest place for it is in the dark. Umm… what? Learn how light energy can damage materials, and what we do at The Met to keep art safe for years to come.