The Academy mourns the death of Dr. Manfred Koller (1941–2025)

Dr. Manfred Koller was an art historian, restorer, and monument conservator. His professional career was characterized by exceptional commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage and a lifelong scientific curiosity. He studied art history and classical archaeology at the University of Vienna and received his doctorate in 1972 with a dissertation on late Gothic panel painting. At the same time, he studied conservation and restoration at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, where he worked as an assistant to Prof. Robert Eigenberger from 1962 to 1965.

 In 1965, he joined the scientific staff of the Federal Monuments Office, where he made a significant contribution to the development of conservation practice in Austria for many decades. From 1980 to 2005, he headed the Department of Conservation and Restoration at the Arsenal with great professional foresight. He began teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in 1970; In 1982, he completed his habilitation in technology and conservation there. Since 1990, he has also served as a second examiner for diploma and doctoral programs at the Institute of Art History at the University of Vienna.

Dr. Manfred Koller has significantly shaped the field of conservation and restoration not only through his practical work and institutional activities, but also through his outstanding academic work. His comprehensive research on the history of objects and technology, restoration methods, and the development of restoration itself are considered milestones in research in the discipline of conservation and restoration. His numerous publications remain an indispensable foundation of the specialist literature.

His tireless commitment to teaching and promoting young talent deserves special recognition. He enthusiastically shared his knowledge in lectures, seminars, and excursions at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, the University of Applied Arts Vienna, and many other international institutions. He was a formative mentor to many students and young researchers.

Even after his retirement, Dr. Koller remained active as a researcher, reviewer, and active member of numerous expert committees. His interdisciplinary approach, his profound expertise, and his ability for sophisticated analysis made him an indispensable voice in the dialogue between art history, conservation and restoration, and monument preservation. He was able to position art history, with his knowledge of artistic materials and techniques, as an independent subject in academic research and practice at an early stage.

With Dr. Manfred Koller, the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna loses an outstanding figure whose life's work had an impact far beyond the institution's boundaries.

Our sincere condolences go out to his family, his colleagues, and all those who were friends and professional partners with him. We wish you strength in this time of farewell.

Institute for Conservation-Restauration of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna