Enrique Soto / Photos: Javier González
Approximately 1,700 cultural assets will be digitized using cutting-edge technology, following the standards of leading museums worldwide
The Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) has launched the digitalization of approximately 1,700 artistic and historical pieces from its cultural heritage collection. Using advanced, high-resolution technology, the initiative will enable the creation of a comprehensive catalog, enhancing the preservation and dissemination of these cultural treasures in line with practices adopted by the world’s leading museums.
The project is coordinated by the Secretariat of Educational Services, through the Directorate of Cultural Outreach, in collaboration with the Escuela Nacional de Biblioteconomía y Archivonomía (ENBA).
Digitalization will be carried out using the Metis Gamma Aerial Scanner, an Italian-made system of which only two other units exist in Mexico: one at the National Museum of Anthropology (MNA), used for preserving codices and other historical artifacts, and another at the National Archives (AGN).
This overhead scanning system offers high image quality and an adjustable scanning area tailored to specific needs. It is equipped with LED lighting, a high-definition camera, and advanced software, ensuring precise and faithful digital reproduction.
Luis Francisco Rivero Zambrano, Director of ENBA, explained that the equipment strengthens the institution’s academic training in reprography, a discipline focused on accurately reproducing documents in digital environments to facilitate access and consultation.
He noted that one of the primary objectives of archival science is to ensure the long-term preservation of materials through specialized technical processes.
“These materials are finite and will eventually deteriorate or disappear. Our goal is to ensure that the information they contain is preserved—now through digital means,” he emphasized.
Rivero Zambrano highlighted that ENBA, with nearly 81 years of history, has established itself as a leading institution in the training of information science professionals, strengthened by the continued support of the IPN.
He stressed the importance of developing digital historical archives, allowing broader and more agile access for research and study without requiring physical handling of original documents.
“This technology opens up new opportunities for ENBA to expand its research capabilities and address emerging challenges in library and archival sciences,” he added.
He also underscored the need for legal frameworks to protect digitized materials, ensuring responsible use and safeguarding access to information.
José Antonio Cruz González, Director of Cultural Outreach, affirmed that this initiative represents a significant step forward for the IPN in preserving its cultural heritage, which includes a wide array of historical and artistic works accumulated over decades.
The collection features paintings, oil works, engravings, architectural plans, and documents of high historical value. “It will be essential for future generations to access and understand the cultural heritage currently displayed in exhibition halls and cultural spaces,” he noted.
Through digitalization, specialists, curators, museographers, and both national and international institutions will be able to study and engage with this legacy, which includes works by renowned artists such as Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Toledo, Arnold Belkin, and Saturnino Herrán.
Cruz González emphasized that making the collection more accessible through a digital catalog will encourage greater collaboration with cultural institutions and participation in major projects.
He also expressed his appreciation to ENBA for providing access to this technology and highlighted the importance of building partnerships both within and beyond the Polytechnic.
The digitized materials will also be made available to the IPN’s Decanato, the institutional body responsible for preserving its historical memory.
INSTITUTO POLITÉCNICO NACIONAL
D.R. Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). Av. Luis Enrique Erro S/N, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Zacatenco, Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07738, Ciudad de México. Conmutador: 55 57 29 60 00 / 55 57 29 63 00.
Esta página es una obra intelectual protegida por la Ley Federal del Derecho de Autor, puede ser reproducida con fines no lucrativos, siempre y cuando no se mutile, se cite la fuente completa y su dirección electrónica; su uso para otros fines, requiere autorización previa y por escrito de la Dirección General del Instituto.
