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The laboratory occupies an area of 100 m2 designed to perform the different interventions on conservation. The amplitude of this space allows working with small and large fossils (for instance, mammoth remains). The laboratory is equipped with the specific tools, machinery and illumination systems necessary to carry out the different conservation processes.
The materials treated are mainly remains of fossil vertebrates and the lithic industry, but also pieces of engraving plaques of Palaeolithic art, fossil vegetable remains (wood and leaves imprints), pottery and metals.
The conservation work consists in documenting and diagnosing the status of conservation of the pieces and the cleaning and consolidation of the materials with cohesion problems to facilitate the study and guarantee long-term preservation. Other interventions are moulding and casting to obtain reproductions of the fossils to use in exhibitions or to exchange with other institutions.
The Conservation Laboratory carries out research and innovation in the conservation of archaeological materials to understand the deterioration processes and to apply the best and most effective treatments. Furthermore, it takes part in the education of students by official studies and practices.