Special Issues

Heritage publishes Special Issues to create collections of papers on specific topics, with the aim of building a community of authors and readers to discuss the latest research and develop new ideas and research directions. Special Issues are led by Guest Editors, who are experts on the topic and all Special Issue submissions follow MDPI's standard editorial process. The journal’s Editor-in-Chief and/or designated Editorial Board Member will oversee Guest Editor appointments and Special Issue proposals, checking their content for relevance and ensuring the suitability of the material for the journal. The papers published in a Special Issue will be collected and displayed on a dedicated page of the journal’s website. Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies and Guest Editor responsibilities can be found here. For any inquiries related to a Special Issue, please contact the Editorial Office.

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Recent Progress in Cultural Heritage Diagnostics submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 7 articles | Viewed by 14628 | Submission Open
Keywords: non-invasive analytical methods; machine learning; big data analysis; Artifical Inteligence; diagnosis of cultural heritage materials; degradation; preservation state of the artifact
New Perspectives for the Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage
edited by Anne Solenn Le Hô and Ann Bourgès
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 9929 | Submission Open
Keywords: sustainability; conservation; restoration; environment; cultural heritage; materials; practices; resources
Revitalizing Heritage Places and Memories for Sustainable Tourism submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 9177 | Submission Open
Keywords: heritage conservation and safeguarding; intangible cultural heritage preservation through tourism; regional development and cultural tourism; heritage valorization and territorial regeneration; cultural and heritage tourism; sustainable tourism; sustainable experiences; preserving authenticity; cultural traditions and practices; sustainable heritage uses; narratives; memories; and heritage sites; cultural preservation and community involvement; innovative interpretation and technology; memory and identity; governance and collaborative policies
Geological Hazards and Heritage Safeguard
edited by
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 7985 | Submission Open
Keywords: geohazard; natural hazard; risk; geoheritage; geopark; geosite; geodiversity; cultural heritage; indigenous; protection
AI Innovation in Cultural Heritage Preservation: Bridging Technology, Image, and Tradition
edited by , , Ana Carla Amaro and
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 4410 | Submission Open
Keywords: artificial intelligence; machine learning; deep learning; neural network; generative AI; cultural heritage; material heritage; intangible heritage; image; synthetic memory
Advances in HBIM and Digital Twins for Cultural Heritage—from Reality to Model and Back submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2780 | Submission Open
Keywords: historic building information modeling (HBIM); digital twins for cultural heritage; cultural heritage digitization; information management; 3D modeling; semantic classification; programmed conservation; structural monitoring; data integration
Exploring Underground Built Heritage submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 1028 | Submission Open
Keywords: values of an UBH asset in terms of aesthetic; historical; scientific; cultural; social; economic; spiritual importance; etc.; methodologies for conservation and rehabilitation of the UBH; approaches; methods; and techniques for valuing UBH; exploring hidden; unknown UBH; experiences in making UBH accessible; including risk issues; community-based approaches and community engagement in UBH valorisation UBH as an asset for local; cultural; social; environmental; and economic development; tangible and intangible aspects and their contribution to a sense of place and identity building; quantifying and/or qualifying the multiple benefits provided by UBH assets; raising awareness for UBH assets
Heritage Materials and Historic Buildings: Preservation and Environment
edited by Alexandra Rodrigues, Carla Machado, Fernanda Carvalho and Amanda Corrêa Pinto
submission deadline 15 Feb 2026 | 7 articles | Viewed by 23090 | Submission Open
Keywords: buildings preservation; built heritage materials; outdoor environment; heritage care indoors; heritage and environment; sustainable conservation; restoration materials and techniques
(This special issue belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
Conservation and Restoration of Metal Artifacts submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 8 articles | Viewed by 24345 | Submission Open
Keywords: metal artifacts; green materials and technologies; noninvasive portable analytical techniques; museum environment; in situ conservation; material characterization
State of the Art in Underwater Cultural Heritage: Policies in the Era of Blue Economy and Incorporation into Maritime Spatial Planning submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 14678 | Submission Open
Keywords: underwater cultural heritage; accessible underwater cultural sites (AUCSs); sunken cities; shipwrecks; UCH and sustainable tourism; Underwater natural and cultural heritage; coastal/marine cultural ecosystem services; diagnostic techniques; conservation and monitoring; coastal heritage; underwater cultural landscapes; UCH and climate change; valuation methods of UCH
(This special issue belongs to the Section Underwater Heritage)
Risk Analysis and Preservation Strategies of Architectural Heritage submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 8378 | Submission Open
Keywords: risk analysis; conservation; remote sensing; geographic information systems (GIS); building information modeling (BIM); architectural heritage; restoration solution
YOCOCU2024 Ancient Traditions, Conservation Challenges and Future Scenarios for the Innovative and Green Protection, Enhancement and Fruition of Cultural Heritage submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 7123 | Submission Open
Keywords: conservation and restoration of cultural heritage; preservation of museum collections; investigations for cultural heritage; green conservation of cultural heritage; conservation of urban art; virtual restoration; conservation of digital art; risk assessment of cultural heritage and landscapes; entertainment for education; risk management for cultural heritage
Molecular Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 4626 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural heritage; vibrational spectroscopy; UV-visible absorption; molecular fluorescence; mass spectrometry; nuclear magnetic resonance
HBIM and Digital Technologies-Based Conservation Practices in Cultural Heritage Sites
edited by Adriana Marra, , Ilaria Trizio and
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 4418 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural heritage; digital tools for survey and modelling; BIM and HBIM; digital information system; digital twin; AR and VR; maintenance design and operation; best practices for preserving heritage; digital management
Applications of Digital Technologies in the Heritage Preservation submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 2820 | Submission Open
Keywords: approaches to cultural heritage; 3D digital tecnologies; architectural heritage information systems; digital twins; 3D data and semantics; knowledgebase systems; heritage and environment; risk analysis; CH monitoring; sustainability
Computational Methodologies Supporting the Preservation, Access and Re-use of Sound and Musical Cultural Heritage
edited by Niccolò Pretto and
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2781 | Submission Open
Keywords: sound documents preservation; artificial intelligence; intangible cultural heritage; music and speech collections; human– computer interaction; sound and music computing; internet of musical things; music information retrieval
Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings—2nd Edition submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1801 | Submission Open
Keywords: heritage buildings; adaptive reuse; sustainable development; climate change; environmental design
(This special issue belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
Exploration and Preservation of Historical Shipwrecks and Maritime Heritage
edited by Michael L. Brennan
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1516 | Submission Open
Keywords: historical shipwrecks; maritime heritage; deep-water shipwrecks; ocean exploration; ocean heritage
(This special issue belongs to the Section Underwater Heritage)
Innovative Technologies for the Geometric and Thematic Documentation of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage Monuments
edited by
submission deadline 26 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 223 | Submission Open
Keywords: UAS-RGB; MS; LiDAR; Geophysical System; laser scanner; SLAM; micro scanner; ground geophysical survey; classification; data fusion; new data processing algorithms
Microclimate in Heritage
edited by
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 14528 | Submission Open
Keywords: microclimate; environmental conditions; temperature and humidity; solar radiation; pollution; heritage decay and conservation; showcases; microclimate painting frames
X-ray Physics and Digital Imaging for the Study, Preservation and Protection of Cultural Properties
edited by and Roberto Cesareo
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 13079 | Submission Open
Keywords: X-ray physics; XRF; XRD; digital radiography; CT tomography; synchrotron light sources and non-conventional X-ray sources; X-ray application in archaeometry and archaeological science
Navigating Indigenous Connections to Underwater Heritage in the Contemporary Era
edited by Ingrid Ward and Isabel Cartajena
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 7995 | Submission Open
Keywords: underwater; submerged; marine; freshwater; cultural landscapes; Indigenous perspectives; Western Science; prehistoric; archaeology; policy development
(This special issue belongs to the Section Underwater Heritage)
Deterioration and Conservation of Ancient Writing Supports submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 5866 | Submission Open
Keywords: ancient writing supports; deterioration processes; preservation and restoration practices; papyri; ancient paper; parchment
Virtual Reconstruction and Digital Restoration in Cultural Heritage: Methods, Documentation, and Scientific Validation
edited by , Simone Berto and Eleonora Scopinaro
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 4390 | Submission Open
Keywords: reconstruction; digital restoration; cultural heritage; scientific documentation; multi-temporal modeling
(This special issue belongs to the Section Digital Heritage)
Interdisciplinary Applications of Spectroscopic Techniques for Heritage Conservation
edited by , Maria Luísa Carvalho and
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2480 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural heritage; spectroscopic techniques; heritage conservation; non-invasive analysis; interdisciplinary research
A 360° View of Heritage Management submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 832 | Submission Open
Keywords: management; heritage; sustainability; tourism; history
Cultural Landscapes: Education and Citizen Participation for Their Recovery and Conservation
edited by Ana María Hernández Carretero, and
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 814 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural landscape; heritage education; citizen participation; sustainability; landscape education; planning
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)
Advanced 2D and 3D Modeling Techniques and AI Applications for Archaeological Site Documentation and Preservation submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 764 | Submission Open
Keywords: reality-based modelling; documentation; automated data processing; multi-sensor fusion; AI; digital twins; spatial analysis; interpretation
World Heritage and Tourism
edited by
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 679 | Submission Open
Keywords: world heritage; UNESCO designations; sustainable tourism; tourism destinations; visitor behavior; heritage conservation; biodiversity; geodiversity; climate change
Dyes in History and Archaeology 44 submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 92 | Submission Open
Keywords: dyes; colourants; organic pigments; mordants; archives; crafts; industry
(This special issue belongs to the Section Museum and Heritage)
Provenance of Construction Stone Materials in Archaeology: New Advances, Methodologies and Issues
edited by , , , and Anna Gutiérrez Garcia-Moreno
submission deadline 30 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 6744 | Submission Open
Keywords: ancient stones; archaeometry; ancient quarries; stone provenance and trade; archaeology of architecture; ancient economics
(This special issue belongs to the Section Materials and Heritage)
Cultural Landscape and Sustainable Heritage Tourism
edited by Carlos J. Pardo Abad
submission deadline 30 Apr 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 4821 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural landscape; heritage tourism; tourism sustainability; territorial heritage; challenges and opportunities of sustainable heritage tourism
Innovative Materials and Tools for the Cleaning of Cultural Heritage submission deadline 30 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 879 | Submission Open
Keywords: green materials; sustainability; cleaning effectiveness; cleaning monitoring; non-contact cleaning; laser; gels; emulsions
Generative AI and Cultural Heritage: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Frontiers
edited by , and Özge Nilay Yalçın
submission deadline 30 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 598 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural heritage preservation; archaeology and AI; museum studies; authenticity and ethics in heritage; digital heritage application design; generative AI; digital media; user experience
(This special issue belongs to the Section Digital Heritage)
Environmental Archaeology: Reconstructing Historical Landscapes in Long-Inhabited Estuarine Areas
edited by and Maria da Conceição Freitas
submission deadline 30 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 363 | Submission Open
Keywords: environmental evolution; geoarchaeology; environmental proxies; sedimentology; sedimentary records; estuarine cities
(This special issue belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)
Geophysical Diagnostics of Heritage and Archaeology
edited by
submission deadline 30 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 256 | Submission Open
Keywords: geophysical diagnostics; magnetic method; electrical resistivity tomography (ERT); ground-penetrating radar (GPR); cultural heritage protection; field archaeology
Cultural Heritage and the Making of Exaptive Resilience in Territorial and Maritime Contexts submission deadline 30 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 216 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural heritage; exaptive resilience; territorial development; maritime spatial planning; sustainability transitions
Numerical Simulations and Experimental Studies in Historical Buildings submission deadline 30 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 134 | Submission Open
Keywords: numerical modelling; model calibration; model updating; historical buildings; historical material properties; experimental validation of numerical models
(This special issue belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
Strategies and Challenges in the Conservation and Management of Paleolithic Sites and Landscapes
edited by Knut Bretzke and Britta Rudolff
submission deadline 1 May 2026 | Viewed by 542 | Submission Open
Keywords: paleolithic heritage; early human evolution; relict landscape; non-monumental sites; archeological stratigraphy; cave site; open-air site
Innovative Methods and Approaches for the Evaluation and Valorisation of Historical and Architectural Heritage submission deadline 27 May 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 899 | Submission Open
Keywords: heritage valuation; cultural heritage management; historical-architectural assets; valorisation strategies; urban regeneration; sustainable development; socio-cultural impact assessment; economic valuation methods; intangible cultural values; interdisciplinary approaches
Advanced Analysis of Bioarchaeology, Skeletal Biology and Evolution
edited by Lucie Biehler-Gomez
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 6874 | Submission Open
Keywords: bioarchaeology; biological anthropology; skeletal biology; evolution; human biology
(This special issue belongs to the Section Biological and Natural Heritage)
Past for the Future: Digital Pathways in Cultural Heritage
edited by , Katherine Kelaidis and
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 4947 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural heritage; humanities; museums; history; archives; digital; virtual; visualizing interfaces
Multianalytical Approaches Applied to Conservation and Restoration Strategies in Cultural Heritage
edited by , and Anna Maria De Francesco
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 4658 | Submission Open
Keywords: conservation; restoration; consolidation; coatings; protective products; provenance; ancient materials; degradation; characterisation; archaeometry; pigments; mortars; frescoes; mosaics; stone
Technological Innovations in the Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of the Building Heritage
edited by
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 4445 | Submission Open
Keywords: chemical and engineering materials and technologies; environmental monitoring of monuments; virtual reality; digital heritage technologies; sustainability
(This special issue belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
Dynamic Monitoring of Monumental Buildings and Artistic Goods
edited by Stefania Viti and
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 976 | Submission Open
Keywords: dynamic monitoring; art collections; art museums; historical monumental buildings; dynamic response of art staging; seismic assessment of art goods
(This special issue belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
Advances in the Scientific Study of Painted Artworks
edited by Eleni Kouloumpi, Peter Vandenabeele and
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 550 | Submission Open
Keywords: conservation science; analytical methods; pigments; binding media; non-invasive analysis; mobile instrumentation; archaeometry
(This special issue belongs to the Section Materials and Heritage)
Megalithism Revisited: Methodological Advances and Emerging Perspectives submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 494 | Submission Open
Keywords: megalithism; surface survey; archaeological excavation; remote sensing; heritage; cultural landscape; methodology; theory; new approaches
Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies, and Nano-Characterisation in Heritage Science: From Diagnostics to Conservation and Restoration submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 117 | Submission Open
Keywords: nanomaterials; nanotechnologies; nano-characterization; cultural heritage; heritage science; in situ diagnostics; portable equipment; hyperspectral imaging; synchrotron radiation methods; neutron techniques; glass; ceramics; metals; stone; mortars; polymers; ageing; weathering and degradation; archaeometry; geoarchaeology; conservation; restoration
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)
Non-Invasive Methods for Analysis and Diagnostic in the Field of Cultural Heritage
edited by and Giuseppe Politi
submission deadline 30 Jun 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 7659 | Submission Open
Keywords: non-invasive methodology; ion beam analysis; X-ray fluorescence; multispectral and hyperspectral imaging; Raman spectroscopy; FTIR spectroscopy; neutron and X-ray radiography and tomography; X-ray diffraction
Cultural Heritage: Restoration and Conservation
edited by Paola Pogliani and
submission deadline 30 Jun 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 6825 | Submission Open
Keywords: conservation; restoration; cultural heritage; diagnostic; enhancement; documentation; materials; technologies; methodologies; products
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