On 24 May 2024, the Lange Nacht der Forschung 2024 opened its doors and invited visitors to experience the diverse research work of Austrian institutions up close. Exciting hands-on science stands for young and old were once again presented at the University for Continuing Education Krems. The Center for Cultural Property Protection offered its guests not only fascinating insights into the subject, but also interesting activities, including its Cultural Property Protection Exercises.

The protection and preservation of our cultural heritage is a key area of research at the University. The Department for Building and Environment, which is part of the university-wide research focus, places a particular emphasis on the protection of cultural property in accordance with the 1954 Hague Convention. The Center for Cultural Property Protection, the department's leading and internationally recognised unit in this field, presented its interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research projects as well as its extensive range of continuing education programs, which are also based on the principles of the 1954 Hague Convention.

Special attention was paid to the Danuvina Alacris, a faithful replica of a Danube patrol vessel from the 4th century. This ship has already completed the Connecting Cruise in 2022, an impressive rowing journey along the Danube from Germany to Romania, and is currently anchored in Austria again as part of the ReConnecting Cruise.

At the hands-on station, curious young researchers and future Cultural Property Protectors had the opportunity to write their own personal message in a bottle on papyrus, which will be handed over to the Danuvina when she is rowed towards Slovakia in September 2024.
Another special highlight was the opportunity to have your photo taken in front of our photo wall with the original shields of the Danuvina Alacris.

These interactive activities enabled visitors, including Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, to actively engage with the issue of Cultural Property Protection and gain an insight into the fascinating world of cultural heritage.