The central task of the Doerner Institut is to look after the extensive collections of the Bayerischen Staatsgemäldesammlungen, which range from the 14th century all the way to contemporary art. The Institut is especially committed to preventive conservation. Its core activities also include the investigation of artistic techniques and materials as well as the development of scientific methods for the analysis of art objects. Owing to the particularly close association between conservation and scientific research, the institute is able to contribute significantly towards preserving cultural heritage. Within the context of preventive conservation, its involvement in museum design and in the conversion of historical buildings for use as museums is becoming increasingly important.