Founded in 1961, this institute, devoted to the scientific research of tissues, contains European and Middle-Eastern pieces from Antiquity to the Renaissance. It contains a very large library and there are objects from the Cyclades, Iranian silverware and Egyptian pieces. Also on show are fabric, curtains and tapestries, the oldest of which date back to the 3C. The painting room features work by Fra Angelico, Van der Weyden, Botticelli and Lorenzetti, and some outstanding Renaissance works of art conclude the visit.